Dani Dyer Breaks Down In Tears Over ‘Special’ Strictly Return As Injury Fears Grow
Dani Dyer has admitted she is still haunted by the injury that ended her Strictly Come Dancing journey before it had properly begun last year, as she prepares for an emotional second chance on the BBC show.
The Love Island star had been part of the 2025 line-up and was paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
But just days into training, Dani suffered a fractured ankle after falling during rehearsals and was forced to withdraw before the first live show.
She was eventually replaced by fellow Love Island star Amber Davies, leaving Dani devastated after only getting a brief taste of the competition.
So when the BBC contacted her about returning for the 2026 series, Dani admitted she could hardly believe she was being given another opportunity.
“I cried when I got the call,” she revealed.
“I didn’t want to assume after everything that happened last year that I would get another chance.”
Dani Admits Biggest Fear Is Another Injury
Despite her excitement, the memories of last year have understandably left Dani nervous.
“If I’m really honest, my biggest fear is getting injured again,” she admitted.
The reality star said she plans to do everything possible to protect herself physically while trying not to let anxiety ruin the experience.
She is already thinking about particular dances that could test her confidence.
“Doing the Quickstep definitely scares me a little!” she confessed.
The dancefloor itself is another major source of nerves.
Dani described herself as sensitive and admitted she can be her own harshest critic, meaning she expects to overthink things when the judges begin giving their verdicts.
But rather than allowing those fears to dominate, she is determined to appreciate the opportunity she thought she had lost.
“I can’t wait to finally get the opportunity to properly experience the Strictly journey,” Dani said.
She described herself as excited, nervous and emotional, but insisted her priority is simply learning to dance and making the most of every moment.
“As long as I don’t trip over my own feet I will be happy!” she joked.
‘Getting Another Chance Feels Really Special’
For Dani, returning to the ballroom means far more than simply appearing on another television programme.
“It means the world to me,” she said.
“Getting another chance feels really special.”
She is already looking forward to everything that comes with the Strictly experience, from the glitter and fake tan to the inevitable sore feet.
Most importantly, Dani wants to finally perform the first competitive dance she never got to experience last year.
Her first attempt at Strictly lasted only through the launch show and a few days of training before the accident brought everything to a sudden halt.
Even that short period, however, was enough to make her fall in love with the experience.
“I just loved it,” she said.
This time, she wants to learn new skills, challenge herself, enjoy the glamour and create memories she missed out on first time around.
Dani is expecting the moment she finally steps onto the ballroom floor for her first proper dance to be particularly emotional.
“After everything that’s happened, that moment is going to mean so much to me,” she admitted.
Vicky Pattison Offers Advice
Dani has also received encouragement from former contestant Vicky Pattison, whom she became close to after they were originally due to appear on the show together last year.
According to Dani, Vicky’s biggest advice has been not to allow the pressure of the competition to take away from the experience.
“She always says, just enjoy every single moment because it goes by so quickly,” Dani explained.
Vicky also encouraged her not to put too much pressure on herself and instead embrace everything that comes with being part of Strictly.
That advice may prove especially important for Dani this year.
After the heartbreak of being forced out before the competition had even started, she is determined not to take her second chance for granted.
The fear of another setback has not disappeared, but neither has her excitement.
And when Dani finally performs that first dance, it will represent something far bigger than surviving week one — it will be the moment she has been waiting an entire year to experience.
