Dani Dyer's heart is heavy with disappointment as she has to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing after suffering a fractured ankle. This unexpected setback came during rehearsals when she took a fall and landed awkwardly. Initially, she thought she had simply rolled her foot, but over the weekend, swelling increased significantly. An MRI scan confirmed the injury: a broken ankle. Doctors advised her that performing the quickstep on such an injury was not only unwise but potentially dangerous, leading to her decision to step back from the competition.
In her heartfelt message shared on Instagram, the 29-year-old former Love Island star expressed her deep sadness: "I am truly heartbroken. I will miss dancing with Nikita more than words can say, but I’ll be cheering on all the couples from the sidelines." She also mentioned her excitement about the upcoming series, having just been paired with Nikita Kuzmin, and shared her joy at the partnership, saying, "Honestly, I couldn’t be happier. Nikita has been so patient with me, and I can’t believe the first live show is next week! Wish me luck."
The show's executive producer, Sarah James from BBC Studios, also voiced her support, highlighting Dani’s vibrant energy and passion that she brought to the show. She noted that Dani’s partnership with Nikita was off to an incredible start and expressed sadness over her absence this season. James extended her well wishes for a quick recovery and expressed hope that Dani might return to the ballroom in the future.
Dani was scheduled to perform in the first live show of the series this coming Saturday. After the official announcement of the couples during last week’s launch show, Dani shared her excitement on Instagram, saying, "So happy to finally say… my partner is Nikita! Honestly, I couldn’t be happier. He’s already been so patient with me (thank goodness). I can’t believe the first live show is next week! Wish me luck."
The news of her injury and withdrawal prompted an outpouring of support from fellow celebrities and dancers. Vicky Pattison expressed her sadness, writing, "Absolutely devastated for you, Dani. I’m going to miss you so much… Love you loads x." Judge Shirley Ballas also sent her best wishes, emphasizing the importance of health and recovery: "I'm so, so sorry. But health is important. Get well soon, Angel." Dancer Dianne Buswell added her support, saying, "We will miss you so much, Dani and Nikita. Sending love."
Even Dani’s father, actor Danny Dyer, responded with a simple yet heartfelt broken heart emoji, showing how much her family cares.
On a personal note, Dani is a proud mother of three children. She shares a son, Santiago, aged four, with her ex-boyfriend Sammy Kimmence. Recently, she welcomed twin daughters, Summer and Star, in May 2023, with her husband Jarrod Bowen, a footballer for West Ham and England. The couple tied the knot earlier this year, adding more joy to her busy family life.
