Dani Dyer shocks she reunites with Nikita Kuzmin for a Strictly duel

**Dani Dyer Returns to Strictly Come Dancing, Reunited with Partner Nikita Kuzmin**

The launch of Series 24 on Saturday night was a fireworks display of new faces and familiar pairings, but the headline moment was Dani Dyer’s comeback. The 30‑year‑old actress, who withdrew from last season after an ankle injury, re‑enrolled in the competition and was paired again with Nikita Kuzmin, 28.

The duo, who danced together in the previous series, will now try to outshine a host of fresh talent.

The show opened with a trio of new hosts—Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe—who guided viewers through a high‑energy introduction and the reveal of 15 celebrity contestants. The couples were selected by having the celebrities split into groups of five and perform choreographed routines with the professional dancers.

The judges—Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel‑Horwood and Anton Du Beke—watched closely as the pairings were announced.

While Dani’s return stole the spotlight, several other standout pairings emerged. House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia chose an all‑female partner after being inspired by previous all‑girl couples, and Love Island star Cach Mercer was matched with new pro Maddie Ingoldsby.

The launch also introduced five new professional dancers—Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori and the newcomers – giving the celebrities a fresh pool of dance partners.

## Background & Context

Last season’s series was halted early when Dani Dyer sustained an ankle injury during rehearsal. She returned to the show in 2025 but had to withdraw again before the competition began. This year she is back for her second stint, reunited with Nikita Kuzmin, who was her partner last year.

The launch of Series 24 also marked a transition for the presenting team. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who had hosted the BBC program at the end of the 2025 series.

Their debut night included a sizzling number introducing five new professional dancers, setting the tone for a season full of fresh talent.

The method for pairing celebrities has remained unchanged: the 15 contestants were divided into groups of five and performed choreographed routines with their assigned pros. The judges then selected the partners for the upcoming weeks.

This system ensures that the partnerships are revealed in a dramatic, competitive format rather than being pre‑arranged.

## What Happened

Bethany Antonia, 28, who plays Lady Baela Targaryen in *House of the Dragon*, expressed excitement about her all‑female partnership. “That was life‑changing for me – to see my family so supportive of an all‑female couple and what that meant,” she said.

Other high‑profile pairings include:

* Love Island star Cach Mercer, 25, with pro Maddie Ingoldsby. * Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, with veteran pro Amy Dowden. * Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, 41, paired with Kai Widdrington. * Dog trainer Graeme Hall, 59, assigned to Lauren Oakley. * Actress Jaime Winstone, 41, teamed up with Carlos Gu. * Sports YouTuber John Nellis, 33, matched with pro Katya Jones. * EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, 38, with Vito Coppola. * Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb, 34, paired with Jowita Przystał. * Former footballer Shaun Wright‑Phillips, 44, partnered with Alexis Warr. * Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, with Julian Caillon. * British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, 25, dancing alongside new pro Mark Karmalita. * Big Brother presenter Will Best, 41, paired with Dianne Buswell. * Oldest contestant Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, 64, with Aljaž Škorjanec.

Pro Neil Jones was left without a celebrity partner again this season after an injury in rehearsals. He has not been paired for seven of the ten years he has competed on the show. His absence adds a layer of intrigue to the series’ professional lineup.

## What Happens Next

The first live show is scheduled for Saturday, 26 September, following the launch episode that aired on 9 September. The new host Josh Widdicombe later revealed on his podcast that filming left him feeling “wiped out.” He explained, “I'm not very well…

I just keep nedding a p***, and I'm constipated, and I've got stomach pains.” He added that he had not fully recovered after a busy weekend of shows.

The series will proceed with the standard format: each week the celebrity couples perform a dance style chosen by the judges and are scored. Audience votes will decide who stays and who leaves. The judges—Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel‑Horwood and Anton Du Beke—will continue to evaluate technique, performance, and choreography.

Contestants have expressed varied motivations for joining Strictly. Some cite a lifelong love of dance, others a desire to challenge themselves outside their usual careers. The show’s mix of returning and first‑time participants promises a season of unexpected twists and heartfelt moments.

The launch episode also highlighted the new pros, many of whom will guide the celebrities through styles ranging from waltz to tango. As the series rolls out, viewers can expect plenty of drama, triumphs, and perhaps some spectacular mishaps on the dance floor.

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