Strictly Come Dancing fans have been vocal with a unified demand following the confirmation that Dani Dyer will return for the 2026 series, a year after a devastating injury forced her withdrawal.
The former Love Island star, who was announced as part of the celebrity lineup for the upcoming season, will finally get her chance to shine on the dancefloor. The BBC has already begun revealing the contestants ahead of the beloved programme's return in September.
Last year, Dani had been paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin during the 2025 series launch show. However, she was forced to pull out of the BBC One dance contest on September 23, just days before the first live show on September 27, after fracturing her ankle during rehearsal. She was replaced by fellow Love Islander Amber Davies, who finished as runner-up to winners Karen Carney and Carlos Gu.
In a video announcing her return, Dani 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!"
She also stated: "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!"
After the announcement, with Dani being the second name revealed for Strictly 2026 following EastEnders star Lacey Turner, fans quickly shared the same request.
User @abs_donnelly_lakita said: "I know you won’t but please partner her back up with Nikita. We need them back together." @whenyouwishearsco replied: "Yes!!!! Unfinished business!" @sophieannamaylake commented: "I hope they partner her back up with Nikita again. We do need them back together."
@__.kirsty.___ posted: "She has to be paired with Nikita again." @dan_harding2006 shared: "Now do the right thing and give her Nikita." @secrets.5012 responded: "Hopefully you'll get to compete with Nikita this year. @danidyerxx @nikita__kuzmin." @fortyflirtyandfabulous added: "It’s got to be with @nikita__kuzmin please strictly!"
