Insiders say Dani Dyer has been called up for Strictly 2026(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Dani Dyer, 29, is reportedly set to make her return to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom this year, after being forced to withdraw in 2025. The Love Island star was left ‘heartbroken’ after suffering a bad fall during rehearsals with her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Dyer sustained an ankle fracture that prevented her from taking part in any of the shows at Elstree Studios in north London. But has now reportedly informed the BBC that she will be available when the opportunity arises.
A source told The Sun: “Dani was beyond gutted when she had to quit Strictly. She never got a chance to do a single show or a dance for the judges so when the door was opened for her again by the BBC she jumped at the chance.
Dani was forced to withdraw from the competition last year(Image: BBC)
“Dani hasn’t signed her contract yet but she’s clearing her diary and has told the BBC she wants in. To get a second chance to appear on Strictly is a dream come true for her.”
The source also revealed to the publication that the mum-of-three is hoping to be partnered with Kuzmin once more, should she make her comeback. In a statement released ahead of the live shows last autumn, Dyer explained that she had ‘landed funny’ during a fall.
She said: “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. 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.”
Shortly after the announcement, she took to social media to address her departure with a heartfelt video. She told fans: “Hi guys, I’m going to do this, and try and do this without crying, but yeah, I’m so heartbroken, like I’ve not felt like this in such a long time.
“I was having the best time ever… It’s a very, very annoying, devastating thing that I’m kind of going through right now, but I’m probably just going to have a few days off my socials just to, you know, process things.
“I just want to thank you all so much for all your love and support. But yeah, I’m gutted, I’m absolutely gutted.”
She added: “I love everyone, everyone at Strictly is absolutely amazing. All the couples, I’m going to miss them so much. I will eventually come along and cheer them on. I just want to thank you all so much.”
