Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin has shared a message following the announcement that his celebrity partner Dani Dyer has been forced to withdraw from the series
Professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin has released a heartfelt statement after his celebrity partner Dani Dyer withdrew from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The Love Island star confirmed her exit from the programme earlier this week.
Yesterday’s announcement revealed that 29-year-old Dani would be stepping away from the BBC dancing competition due to a rehearsal injury, leaving her devastated by the turn of events. The timing proved particularly cruel, coming mere days ahead of the series’ inaugural live broadcast following Saturday’s launch.
The weekend’s pre-recorded opening show had revealed all the celebrity and professional pairings for the current series. Viewers witnessed Dani’s delight at being matched with 27-year-old Nikita, as she exclaimed upon their introduction: “I’m so happy. I literally am in shock.”
After Dani’s Strictly departure was confirmed, Nikita took to social media to share his feelings. Posting behind-the-scenes photographs on Instagram this evening, he penned: “So so gutted to have finished our journey before it even properly started.”
He continued: “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]”, reports the Mirror.
He continued: “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! Hopefully we can pick up next year 🙂 Love from #danita or #dakita or #Nani (WE ACTUALLY HAVENT DECIDED ON THE TEAM NAME IN TIME).”
The BBC confirmed yesterday that Dani would be withdrawing from this year’s Strictly competition. The announcement came after she suffered a fractured ankle during practice sessions, explaining in her statement: “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. Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l’ve had to pull out of the show.”
Dani expressed her devastation at the turn of events. Her statement continued: “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.”
BBC Studios executive producer Sarah James described the team’s reaction as “incredibly sad” following the unfortunate development. Sarah commented: “Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.
“Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.”
The announcement sparked a wave of responses on social media, including from her fellow Strictly colleagues. Responding to the news on Instagram, judge Shirley Ballas expressed: “I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel.”
Fellow panel member Motsi Mabuse echoed the sentiment, saying: “Oh so sorry. Get well soon. Health first.”
Other professionals from the show also shared their reactions, with Gorka Márquez commenting: “So gutted for you guys! [Dani and Nikita]. Hope you get well soon.”
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