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
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 had to withdraw from the show after suffering a fractured ankle. She was replaced by fellow Love Island alum and West End star Amber Davies, who finished as the runner-up.
Social Media Hints
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.'
Heartbreaking Exit in 2025
Last year, Dani announced in a heartbreaking statement that she was no longer able to continue with Strictly after falling in rehearsals and 'landing funny'. '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,' she said at the time. 'Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so I'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.'
Strictly 2026 Details
Strictly Come Dancing will return this September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
