Dani Dyer is preparing for her return to Strictly Come Dancing after it was confirmed she would compete in the 2026 series, following a previous injury that forced her withdrawal.
Return to the Ballroom
The Love Island winner was revealed in the celebrity line-up for Strictly's 2026 series, which the BBC is announcing ahead of the show's return in September. Fans recall that Dani was paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin during the 2025 series launch show but pulled out days before the first live show on September 27 after fracturing her ankle in rehearsal. She was replaced by fellow Love Islander Amber Davies, who finished runner-up to winners Karen Carney and Carlos Gu.
Last month, it was announced that Dani would return to compete in the 2026 run. In a video, she said: "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!"
Fitness Preparation
Dani is making sure she stays in good shape ahead of the show. On her Instagram Story, she posted a picture of herself in the gym and asked followers: "A message for my flexible girls.. how do I learn how to do the splits [crying laughing emojis]. My legs are as stiff as a board."
In a statement about her Strictly return, Dani said: "I am so excited 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 find out who else is doing it!"
Heartbreak Over Previous Injury
She recently appeared on GK Barry's podcast, Saving Grace, and revealed how she struggled after leaving the show, admitting she was "heartbroken." She said: "You filmed the launch show a couple weeks before, so launch show done, you get your partner. On day four of rehearsals, I was so sad. I just knew straight away. I heard a noise, and the physio was like 'did you hear a noise?' and I said, 'no I didn't hear a noise!' It just swelled up so bad on the weekend. I wanted to carry on, I'll be absolutely fine. There's just no point risking it, and obviously for them if I keep dancing on it and then have a longer injury, recovery."
