DEVASTATED Dani Dyer has issued a heartfelt message to her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars after she was forced to quit the BBC series through injury.
The Love Island alum took to her Instagram Stories for the emotional post ahead of the 2025 Strictly cast’s first live show tonight.
Dani Dyer has issued a heartfelt message to her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars after she withdrew through injury[/caption]
She posted a sweet message on her Instagram Stories and reassured them she would be watching from home[/caption]
Dani’s partnership with Nikita was over before it started as the pair failed to reach the first live show[/caption]
Dani, 29, had to drop out after revealing she had fractured her foot in rehearsals with pro partner Nikita Kuzmin and would not be able to perform in tonight’s first live show of the 2025 series.
The Sun then exclusively revealed the Strictly cast backlash that ensued after Amber Davies – another Love Island champ with stage, acting and dance experience a plenty – would be stepping into her dance shoes.
Now Dani has brushed her emotional and physical pain to one side for a message which read: “Good luck to all the gorgeous cast starting their Strictly journey tonight.
“Can’t wait to watch you all, so proud and know how hard you’ve all been working.
“See you all soon.”
DANI’S EXIT
Dani’s exit dropped just as the cast was putting the final polish on their first live dances.
She had taken part in the launch show — filmed ahead of transmission — where her partnership with Nikita was revealed to viewers.
In an emotional update to fans, Dani explained that continuing would risk exacerbating the injury.
The TV favourite struggled to hold back tears as she confirmed her exit, calling it “heartbreaking” to bow out before she’d had the chance to perform live.
She also thanked viewers for their support and said she’d be cheering the remaining couples on from the sofa while she focused on healing up.
Nikita broke his silence with a heartfelt message to fans and to Dani, praising her effort in the training room and saying he was proud of how hard she’d worked before the injury struck.
He admitted he was “gutted” to lose his celebrity partner so close to week one, and hinted he’d love the chance to dance with Dani in the future when she’s fit again.
He then sent fans wild as he appeared to reveal Dani would return for next year’s instalment.
Strictly stars who’ve been forced to pull out
Here is a full list of stars who have been forced to quit the long-running BBC show
Dani Dyer (series 23) – forced to pull out of the competition after suffering an ankle injury in rehearsals
Kristian Nairn (series 23) – forced to pull out of the competition on medical grounds
Nick Knowles (series 22) – eliminated from the show following injury
Amanda Abbington (series 21) – pulled out of the competition due to “personal reasons”
Tony Adams (series 20) – pulled out of the competition after sustaining an injury
Nicola Adams (series 18) – axed after partner Katya Jones tested positive for COVID-19
Will Bayley (series 17) – pulled out of the competition after sustaining a knee injury
Jamie Laing (series 17) – pulled out of the competition after suffering a foot injury in rehearsals
Will Young (series 14) – quit the show after struggles with mental and physical health
Jade Johnson (series 7) – pulled out after suffering a knee injury in rehearsals
John Sergeant (series 6) – quit the show despite public popularity after flailing in the leaderboards
Kell Brook (series 5) – pulled out following the death of her father Kenneth
Jimmy Tarbuck (series 4) – pulled out following doctors advice
Meanwhile tonight, North Wales-born Amber, who at 16 gained a scholarship to train in musical theatre at London’s Urdang performing arts academy, will partner Ukrainian Nikita tonight and they will perform a waltz.
She said after the announcement: “I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.”
She recently starred in a stage show version of The Great Gatsby as well as Back To The Future: The Musical.
She previously emotionally revealed she had fractured her foot[/caption]
Backlash to her replacement Amber Davies has already started[/caption]
Meanwhile Nikita has teased Dani will be back next year[/caption]
