Dani Dyer quits Strictly after breaking ankle in training with heartbreaking statement

Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into chaos on the eve of the first live show after Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw through injury.

Dani took to social media to share her devastation of the news in an emotional statement. And the news was met with sorrow from her fellow dancers on the hit BBC show.

Taking to Instagram, Dani, 29, said: "I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed 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.

"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."

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Following the news, Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios added: “Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.

"Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she's no longer able to compete in this year's series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future."

BBC Strictly and Dani both shared the sad news on Instagram, with fans and viewers quickly sharing their devastation at the announcement. Among them was professional dancer Amy Dowden, who is paired with Tom Skinner on the show.

She wrote in the comments section: "Sending you so much love and a speedy recovery @danidyerxx absolutely gutted for you and @nikita__kuzmin." Tasha Ghouri also commented, saying: "Sending love to you @danidyerxx!! I hope you have a speedy recovery," alongside love heart emojis.

Judge Shirley Ballas also shared her sorrow, penning: "I'm so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel." And fellow dancer Johannes Radebe also said: "Gutted for you both, take care of yourself."

As the comments continued to pour in, Nancy Xu said: "Ohhh nooo!!!! I'm so sorry Dani and Nikiii. Hope you're getting better soon @danidyerxx. sending all my love." Dani's famous fatherDanny Dyer also posted a heartbreak emoji as he reacted to the news.

Dani had been paired with Nikita Kuzmin for the upcoming series. She had taken to Instagram at the weekend to share her delight at the link-up. She wrote: "So happy to finally say… my partner is Nikita!

"Honestly couldn’t be happier, he’s already been so patient with me (thank god). Can’t believe the first live show is next week! Wish me luck."

It remains to be seen who will pair with the Ukrainian for the upcoming series or if Dani will even be replaced.When a star pulls out before the series starts, the BBC show will draft in a new contestant to replace them. With Dani pulling out just days before the first live show, it is not yet known whether another celebrity will stand in last minute.

It is possible that Dani could be replaced as the official show has yet to begin. Previously, Kelvin Fletcher was drafted in for Jamie Laing, and Kelvin went on to win the BBC show.

Dani and Nikita appeared together on Saturday's launch show. The video showed the pair's excitement at being partners, but it was pre-recorded before her accident took place.

Just days earlier, Dani had been addressing the dreaded "Strictly curse" months after tying the knot with Premier League footballer Jarrod Bowen. She explained that the West Ham and England star, 28, was "so chill" and not worried about her taking part in the show, insisting "there is no Strictly curse".

The Strictly curse refers to a belief that the show can lead to the breakdown of a contestant’s existing romantic relationship. It's reported that over the show's 20-year run, it has led to the breakdown of at least 21 relationships.

Dani, whose dad is EastEnders star Danny Dyer, rose to fame on Love Island in 2018. She won the show alongside ex-boyfriend Jack Fincham and his since gone on to become a popular reality TV figure.

Three years later, Dani met Jarrod after they became neighbours and he would often take parcels for her. Speaking on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast earlier this year, Dani shared the unusual story of how they got together.

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