STRICTLY pro Nikita Kuzmin has sent fans wild after he ‘revealed’ Dani Dyer will return to the show after being forced to quit.
The former Love Island star revealed earlier this week – just mere days after the launch show – that she was forced out of the competition after she fractured her ankle.
Dani and Nikita were paired up on the show before she was forced to quit[/caption]
Dani fractured her ankle but as already been teased as a 2026 contestant[/caption]
Dani confirmed the news with an emotional statement, saying she was “heartbroken” to be leaving the process, just days before the first live show.
And now Nikita has sent fans wild after revealing that Dani would likely be returning to the show, but in next year’s series if all goes to plan.
The professional dancer said Dani’s early exit “broke his heart” before sending fans wild with a hidden message.
Sharing snaps from their rehearsals, he wrote: “So so gutted to have finished our journey before it even properly started.
“The amount of laughs and fun we had in this short time was unbelievable.
“Really loved our partnership and hope that one day we can actually get to week 1 lol but, heath is the most important thing.
“I’m wishing you the absolute best Dani, you’re so lovely, positive and a wonderful human being. And it breaks my heart knowing how excited you were to do your absolute best on the show!”
Although Dani is out of the competition this year, Nikita teased: “Hopefully we can pick up next year.
“Love from #danita or #dakita or #Nani (WE ACTUALLY HAVENT DECIDED ON THE TEAM NAME IN TIME).”
Although her comeback in 2026 has not been confirmed in any capacity, fans flocked to the comments section to share their hope that Dani would be able to compete next year.
“Next year maybe?” said one.
“Bring on next year,” penned another.
A third said: “Such a shame. Back together next year.”
“I hope she can come back next season & you can continue,” added a fourth.
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
“Dani Dyer see you next year in strictly come dancing in September 2026 keep dancing,” wrote a sixth.
A seventh then penned: “Oh the dream team! A very short & sweet partnership but hopefully able to come together again next year with any luck! Also I think dakita was best.”
And an eighth added: “Absolutely gutted for you both. Predicted your partnership from day 1!! Wish @danidyerxx a speedy recovery & hope to see you partnered together next year so you finish what you started.”
Dani said earlier this week that she was forced to withdraw after doctors told her she’d be unable to dance.
The statement read: “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny.
“I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.”
Dani continued: “Apparently doing the Quickstep on a fracture is not advisable and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so I’ve had to pull out of the show.
“To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement.
“I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”
Dani Dyer has been left gutted over being forced to quit the show[/caption]
