Dani Dyer, the former Love Island star, has been flooded with birthday wishes as she turns 30, just weeks before her second attempt on Strictly Come Dancing. The milestone comes after she was forced to withdraw from last year's series due to an injury sustained in rehearsal.
Birthday Celebrations and Support
On Saturday, August 8, Dani marked her 30th birthday on Instagram, posting a photo in a black dress and tiara, with a candle on her birthday cake. In the comments, her Strictly co-stars and friends sent their love, including Amy Dowden who wrote "Happy birthday Dani" and Vicky Pattison who added: "Happy birthday beautiful girl! can't wait to see you later!"
Return to the Ballroom
Dani's return to Strictly was one of the first confirmed for the new series, which launches in September. She expressed her excitement in a statement: "Hi everyone. I'm so excited to say that I'm going to be back in the ballroom this September. I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on, and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to see everyone else that's on it. See you soon, Strictly!"
Previous Injury and Replacement
Last year, Dani was forced to quit the show after a devastating injury in rehearsal, and was replaced at the last minute by West End star Amber Davies, who went on to reach the final. Speaking on GK Barry's podcast, Saving Grace, Dani revealed how heartbroken she was, saying: "I remember going through it at the time. I was real sad in my room for like a good week." She added that she isolated herself indoors, not wanting to leave the house because everyone watches Strictly and she feared bursting into tears.
Joining the New Cast
Dani will be joined by EastEnders star Lacey Turner, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, fellow Love Island star Cach Mercer, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, and former Manchester City player Shaun Wright-Phillips.
