Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin Embrace After Intense 'Strictly' Rehearsals
The television personality and her professional dance partner were seen leaving rehearsals on Monday, with Dyer expressing gratitude for her return to the competition.
Strictly Come Dancing star Dani Dyer and her professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin shared an embrace as they departed rehearsals on Monday.
Dyer, 30, appeared in high spirits following a samba practice session to Zara Larsson's "Lush Life" with Kuzmin, 28. She sported burgundy leggings and a white zip-up hoodie, while Kuzmin wore a crochet bucket hat and checked trousers.
This marks Dyer's return to the competition after an ankle injury forced her to withdraw early in the previous year. She was once again paired with Kuzmin, her partner from last year's season. Dyer recounted her devastation at having to leave the competition in the prior year after fracturing her foot during a quickstep performance. "Last year I was devastated, I was heartbroken for days," she said. "I locked myself in my room, and my mum was like knocking on my door... I was like, 'I’ve got nothing to get up for,' and mum, she was like, 'you’ve got three children.' So yeah, when they asked me to come back, I was like, ‘yes, please,’ I’m just so grateful."
Dyer expressed that she is "over the moon" and "so, so happy" to be reunited with Kuzmin for another season. She also addressed the potential for the "Strictly curse," a phenomenon where contestants form romantic relationships with their professional partners, by stating that her partner Jarrod is "very laid-back" and that their differing personalities create a balance.
In response to accusations of an unfair advantage due to attending stage school as a child, Dyer clarified that she stopped dancing as a teenager and has little recollection of those lessons.
The current season of Strictly Come Dancing has seen a significant shakeup, including a new lineup of presenters and a revamped partnering process. However, the changes have reportedly not translated into a substantial ratings boost. The pre-recorded launch show peaked at 5.8 million viewers, a slight increase from the previous year's 5.6 million. However, the average viewership for the episode was 5.3 million, a decrease from 5.4 million in 2025. Viewer feedback has included criticism of the new hosting trio, with some questioning the necessity of three presenters.
