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Dani Dyer makes Strictly comeback for 2026 series after devastating injury blow

Dani Dyer making Strictly comeback for 2026 after her injury picture: bbcstrictly
Dani Dyer is donning her dancing shoes once again (Picture: BBC)

Dani Dyer is officially returning to Strictly Come Dancing after being forced to drop out of the competition last year due to injury.

The former Love Island star is now the second celebrity confirmed for the 2026 cast, after EastEnders legend Lacey Turner was announced on Wednesday.

Celebrating her comeback, 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!’

In 2025, the reality TV star was originally partnered up with Nikita Kuzmin, but was had to withdraw from the show after suffering a fractured ankle.

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She was replaced by fellow Love Island alum and West End star Amber Davies, who finished as the runner-up.

Dani and Nikita’s partnership was short-lived on the 2025 series (Picture: nikita__kuzmin/Instagram)
Love Island winner and West End performer Amber Davies took her place (Picture: Instagram)

Before the Strictly announcement came on Thursday, Dani, 29, shared a post on Instagram with several pictures reminiscing about her time on the programme last year.

‘Scrolling through my camera roll… honestly loved this time so much 🤍,’ she wrote in the caption.

‘Nearly made it, just didn’t quite get to dance on that Strictly floor🫶.’

Following the official news, the Strictly Instagram account commented underneath: ‘Fancy another go?’

Several fans expressed their excitement about her second go in the ballroom, with one called Emily writing: ‘Buzzing she’s back for another try!!! 🫶🏻.’

‘She has to be paired with Nikita again 🙌,’ Kirsty commented, while Abs added: ‘I know you won’t but please partner her back up with Nikita. We need them back together.’

More to follow.

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