Will Dani Dyer Be Replaced On Strictly Come Dancing?
No, Dani Dyer won’t be replaced on Strictly Come Dancing this year. The news broke just after that pre-show excitement really started swirling not long after the couples were announced and all the fans (and at least a couple grannies I know) got their predictions in for who’d be gone first and who would, inevitably, steal the show with an emotional foxtrot. Dani, if anyone was following her Instagram, was genuinely buzzing to be paired up with Nikita Kuzmin. Her post had that slightly awkward but sweet “Can’t believe live shows are next week! Wish me luck!” vibe which is kind of the only way to be before live ballroom carnage.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DO88tDpjb-r/
Then, of course, disaster struck in those infamous rehearsals. You’d think the worst threat in Strictly training would be two left feet, but apparently it’s gravity. Dani herself said, “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I’d rolled my foot, but it swelled up badly over the weekend, and after an MRI scan, it turns out I’ve fractured my ankle.” And apparently, medical professionals have now officially ruled out “doing the quickstep on a fracture.” Rough luck. She’s had to bow out, and let’s just be honest, her public “To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement” quote hits like a punch. Anyone who’s ever been benched from a team over an injury knows the particular sting there.
So, will Dani’s sparkly spot be filled with another celeb? For now, absolutely not. The BBC team’s official reaction had all the warmth and regret you want in a crisis lots of “passion, joy and enthusiasm” and best wishes. Producer Sarah James even left the door wide open for Dyer’s future return (“We very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future”), but was crystal clear: no last-minute ring-in, no surprise “Strictly wild card.” Tough break for Nikita, who was all geared up for a glittery debut with her. He’ll be spreading that choreography energy among the group dances one of those weird quirks of live TV where one second you’re prepping your samba, and the next, basically bench-warming with Tess Daly instead.
Some Strictly super-fans got their hopes up anyway, remembering previous shake-ups when a star was replaced after dropping out early. Not this time. Gossip on forums and Reddit says producers mulled it over and called it Dani’s slot is simply left open. Maybe, if there was more time, we’d see a surprise sub from a past season or a reality TV regular, but timing’s everything. The launch show already aired, the choreography’s set, and one less glitzy couple means slightly less competition but plenty of drama to go around.
Honestly, there’s always hubbub when a fan-favorite leaves unexpectedly, but Strictly thrives on its unpredictable, occasionally bonkers energy. Dani’s fellow contestants were quick to rally with supportive posts Vicky Pattison’s “Absolutely devastated for you Dani,” Shirley Ballas sending virtual hugs, and even Dani’s dad, Danny Dyer, replying with heartbreak emojis. Felt a bit like watching someone miss their shot at sports day sad, but everyone’s rooting for a comeback. Would’ve loved to see her make Nikita do an EastEnders-themed paso doble.
So, if you’re a die-hard Strictly enthusiast scanning every cast list for a late addition, relax. Dani Dyer’s out and isn’t being replaced, and while it leaves us with fewer sequins on the dancefloor, it’s still anyone’s game just minus one slightly cheeky contestant who’d probably have made Tess and Claudia laugh behind the scenes.
