Dani Dyer-Bowen has withdrawn from the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals. The former Love Island winner, 29, said she was 'heartbroken' to leave the BBC One show.
In a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday evening, Dyer-Bowen, who was partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, fought back tears as she announced her departure. 'I'm so heartbroken, like I've not felt this way in such a long time,' she said.
She explained that she fell during rehearsals on Friday and initially thought she had rolled her foot, but an MRI scan revealed a fractured ankle. Dyer-Bowen said she would take a 'few days off my socials' to process the news and planned to return to the set to support the remaining contestants.
Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas responded to the news on Instagram, writing: 'I'm so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel.' Dyer-Bowen's father, actor Danny Dyer, posted a broken heart emoji.
Dyer-Bowen is the second celebrity to withdraw from this year's series, following Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn, who pulled out for medical reasons last month. Emmerdale star Lewis Cope replaced Nairn.
