Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin has shared an emotional tribute to Dani Dyer after the Love Island star was forced to quit the BBC competition before even performing her first routine.
The 29-year-old revealed on Tuesday that she fractured her ankle during rehearsal last Friday and, on medical advice, would have to bow out of the show.
“I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny,” she explained in a statement on Instagram. “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 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.”
In response to the post, the former Love Island star was inundated with a wave of support from the Strictly family - and now her dancer partner Nikita admitted the early exit had “broken his heart”.
Sharing behind-the-scenes rehearsal snaps of the pair on Instagram, 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!”
The dancer added with a hint of humour: “Hopefully we can pick up next year. Love from #danita or #dakita or #Nani (WE ACTUALLY HAVENT DECIDED ON THE TEAM NAME IN TIME).”
Dyer posted an emotional Instagram video to thank fans for their support and to say she plans to take a few days off social media to process the setback.
“I am so heartbroken, I have not felt like this in such a long time,” she said, pausing to hold back tears. “I was having the best time ever. It’s just a very devastating, annoying kind of thing that I’m going through right now.”
She continued: “I am probably just going to have a few days off my socials just to process things. But I just want to thank you all for all of your love and support. I love everyone at Strictly and I am going to miss them so much. I will eventually come along and cheer them all on.”
Dyer was among the 15 celebrities unveiled during the launch show last Saturday, where it was announced she would be paired with fan-favourite professional Kuzmin.
Viewers saw the duo take to the dancefloor for the first time in the traditional group number, with excitement building for their debut routine this coming weekend.
It remains to be seen whether a replacement celebrity will be drafted in, or if the competition will continue with 14 contestants.
