Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed that Love Island star Amber Davies will replace Dani Dyer on the BBC series after her devastating exit.
In a statement, West End performer Amber shared: ‘This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.
‘I’m going to give it my all and I am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud.’
Amber will compete with Dani’s professional dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin.
The new couple have just started rehearsals for this Saturday’s show, where they’ll perform a Waltz for their first routine of the series.
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Dani, 29, was forced to withdraw from this year’s Strictly after sustaining an injury, when she fractured her ankle in rehearsals.
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‘I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny,’ she said.
‘I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.
‘Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l’ve had to pull out of the show. To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement.
‘I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.’
Amber, 28, first soared to fame in 2017 when she competed on Love Island, winning the ITV series with her then-partner Kem Cetinay.
She’s since gone on to appear in a variety of stage productions, including 9 to 5, Pretty Woman and Back To The Future.
Just a couple of days ago, it was announced that she’ll be playing Elle Woods in the West End production of Legally Blonde.
The TV personality also competed in Dancing On Ice in 2024, becoming the eighth celebrity to be eliminated from the competition.
Following the news of Dani’s departure from Strictly 2025, her partner Nikita shared a message of support for her on Instagram.
‘So so gutted to have finished our journey before it even properly started 💔💔,’ the 27-year-old dancer wrote.
‘The amount of laughs and fun we had in this short time was unbelievable! Really loved our partnership and hope that one day we can actually get to week 1 lol but, health is the most important thing ❤️.
‘I’m wishing you the absolute best @danidyerxx ❤️ you’re so lovely, positive and a wonderful human being!! And it breaks my heart knowing how excited you were to do your absolute best on the show! Hopefully we can pick up next year.’
Dani responded in a comment: ‘I’m crying again 😭😭😭 thank you for being the best teacher ever.. you are the kindest most amazing person ❤️❤️ .
‘Going to miss our laughs & dancing with you.. let’s try again one day and sort our team name 😂❤️.’
Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday at 6.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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