Vicky Pattison praises Dani Dyer as Strictly star quits due to injury

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Vicky Pattison has said she is “gutted” after her Strictly Come Dancing “best pal” Dani Dyer was forced to leave the show following a fractured ankle. Dyer, who had been tipped as a favourite to win, shared the news just days before the first live performance, leaving fans and fellow contestants disappointed. Pattison described Dyer as her “Strictly wife” and said she was “heartbroken” to miss out on the competition.

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Speaking on her podcast Get A Grip, Pattison said she had been hopeful that Dyer’s injury might not be too serious, but an MRI revealed a fracture that requires a lengthy recovery. She emphasised that, beyond rivalry or competition, Dyer was a joy to be around, calling her “a human ray of sunshine” and praising her dancing. Pattison also expressed her own sadness at losing a supportive friend in the dressing room.

Despite the setback, Pattison offered reassurance that Dyer could return next year, confident she would “absolutely smash it” if given another chance. The pair’s bond has clearly made an impression on the Strictly community, with Pattison noting that Dyer was a “big miss” in the dressing room and a positive presence alongside her dance partner, Kai Widdrington.

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Head judge Shirley Ballas also backed Dyer’s potential return, praising her work ethic and describing her as “all sparkle”. Ballas compared Dyer’s situation to Jamie Laing’s previous return to the show, suggesting there is precedent for successful comebacks. She stressed that health comes first and wished Dyer the very best for her recovery, while noting that Strictly producers are considering options for replacing a contestant for the live shows.