Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin has paid an emotional tribute to Dani Dyer after completing his first routine with new partner Amber Davies. Speaking after their waltz, Kuzmin admitted it had been a challenging week and shared a heartfelt message for Dyer, who was forced to withdraw from the competition.
++ Deep-sea life: the curious case of the pigbutt worm
Dyer confirmed earlier this week that she had sustained a fractured ankle during rehearsals, prompting her departure from the series. The BBC later announced that former Love Island winner Amber Davies would take her place. Davies expressed her delight at joining the show, describing the opportunity as a “dream come true” and sending her best wishes to Dyer for a full recovery.
During Saturday’s live show, Kuzmin praised Davies for stepping in at such short notice, calling her “so brave” for taking on the challenge. He added that he had huge respect for her commitment, joking that she had saved him from boredom at home by giving him the chance to continue competing. Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also took a moment to acknowledge Dyer’s absence, sending her their love and support.
++ Kristin Chenoweth responds to backlash over tribute to Charlie Kirk
Despite the whirlwind circumstances, Kuzmin and Davies impressed with their waltz to Adele’s When We Were Young, earning 27 points from the judges. Following the performance, Davies shared her excitement on Instagram, writing that she felt “every emotion under the sun” but was above all “grateful” for the chance to perform on the Strictly stage.
