Dani Dyer ‘heartbroken’ after being forced to quit Strictly

A Waterloo Road star is said to be replacing Dani Dyer on Strictly Come Dancing. The reality star announced on Tuesday that she had been forced to withdraw from the BBC dancing competition, before the first live show, after she suffered a nasty injury.

The star, who found fame on Love Island, told fans that she had fractured her ankle in rehearsals and had to withdraw on medical grounds, leaving her “heartbroken”. Dani, 29, had been lined up to dance with professional star Nikita Kuzmin on the programme, which will air its first live show this weekend.

But reports claim that her spot on the show is already close to being filled by a replacement. Tillie Amartey, who previously appeared on the 2023 Christmas Special of Strictly, is reportedly already in talks to join the programme. The actress, 22, is said to have been making trips from her home in Leeds to London to meet with executives.

Dani announced on Tursday she had been forced to withdraw from the show ( 
Image:
CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Dani had been partnered with Nikita Kuzmin ( 
Image:
CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
“The feeling is that if she is filling the shoes vacated by Dani, the programme needs another young, glam woman to take her spot,” a source said. They went on to tell The Sun: “There is already an imbalance in the genders among the celebrities as there are nine men taking part and six women. It’s essential the number of females taking part doesn’t drop further, and they want to try and maintain a similar balance in terms of the variety of ages too.”

They added that Tillie, the niece of Spice Girls singer, Melanie Brown MBE, is “ambitious and hard working” and has made “great strides” in the industry since she first appeared on CBBC’s 4 O’Clock Club back in 2016. Since her appearance on the show, Tillie has gone on to appear in the likes of Doctors, The Teacher and Moving On.

But Tillie is best known for playing strong-minded Stacey Neville on the BBC reboot of Waterloo Road, which she joined in 2024. It was for this role that she won Best Breakthrough at the I Talk Telly Awards. When approached by the Mirror about Tillie joining the show, a BBC Spokesperson said: “We don’t comment on speculation.”

Tillie appeared on the Strictly Christmas Special in 2023 ( 
Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)

The actress is famed for playing Stacey Neville on Waterloo Road ( 
Image:

Speaking on Tuesday night, Dani, 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.”

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.”

Reality star Dani was also forced to quit another show in the past after sustaining another injury. In 2018, she had to pull out of ITV2’s Survival of the Fittest due to a dislocated shoulder after hurtling down a waterslide headfirst during a challenge.

At the time, she was treated by on-site medics and taken to the hospital for proper treatment a day after entering the programme’s lodge in the wilderness. However, she was no longer able to participate in the programme due to the severity of her injury. Speaking about the incident during an interview on Good Morning Britain, Danny Dyer’s daughter said: “I tried to put it back in and carry on with the challenge, and it just got worse. It was so bad the pain, it was horrible.”

Dani, however, is not the first person to pull out of Strictly this year. Just weeks before the couple’s revealing show, Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn announced he was withdrawing from the show for “medical reasons.”

The actor and DJ said he made the announcement with a “heavy heart” as he broke the news. In a statement, Kristian said: “With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons. I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I’m deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor.

“Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian.” He later commented that he was “under treatment already” after his unexpected departure.

In a further statement, Kristian explained: “I’ve been given the amazing opportunity of Strictly but sadly I’m having to withdraw. Like so many people at the minute, I have dealing with a high level of stress. And a little bit of grief, if I’m going to be really real. I’ve always been my mother’s son and I have always powered through things like this in the past and any other time of my life actually.

“Honestly, I think I’ve got a pretty healthy attitude towards stuff like this. I thought I did at least. For the first time, it’s manifested physically. And it’s caused a spike in my vitals. It’s entered an area of concern. I’m a big guy. Always have been, ever since I stepped foot on this earth. So I take my health very seriously, and I do see my doctor all the time. I was checked for the show two weeks before. And everything was fine. So he was happy for me to take part. Please note, I’m ok. I’m under treatment already. And my doctor isn’t concerned.

“And after 2-3 weeks I’ll be pretty much back to normal. But sadly I don’t have time for the show now, for all the training and everything like that. And I also don’t want to leave them, you and the other contestants hanging. It’s not really fair. I’m gutted to say the least. I was really looking forward to taking part in this. So the guys in the show, I’m not going to lie, they’ve been completely understanding. I’ve honestly felt 100% supported so I’m really grateful for that. So let’s see what happens when I get sorted. I’m going to be taking it easy for now. And I’ll be able to return to work very shortly.

“I was so excited for this. Not only for myself but for the amazing people from my home of Northern Ireland. It’s always been an honour in my weird way to show I’m from NI. I’m sorry if I’ve let you down in any way but I will continue to do my best. We live in strange crazy times at the minute so please look after yourself, don’t ignore with something that’s going on inside your head.

“This is something that I haven’t dealt with before so this is a surprise for me. I always thought I had this. To my fellow contestants, although it was brief, I really enjoyed meeting you. It’s a really great bunch of people and I’m really looking forward to watching and seeing how well you all do. Who knows what the future holds? I’m totally still here. Creating in my own haphazard way and trying to be better than ever. And don’t worry guys, I’ve totally got this. Love you all. Thank you for all the support.”

The Mirror has approached Tillie’s representative for comment.

BBC’s contingency plans for pregnant Strictly pro Dianne Buswell ‘revealed’!

Producers are prepared to act fast, it’s been reported

Pregnant Dianne Buswell is making Strictly history as the first pro to compete on the show while expecting a baby.

As she announced her first pregnancy with partner Joe Sugg, Dianne made it clear that she won’t let that stop her from competing on the show. Even though some online trolls disagreed with her decision.

Dianne took centre stage in Saturday’s Strictly launch show, as she shared one last dance with former partner Chris McCausland. Given that Dianne and Chris won last year, the pro is gearing up to continue this winning streak with 2025 partner Stefan Dennis.

However, as her pregnancy progresses, there is a chance that she might need to leave the competition early. But if this happens, a TV insider told The Sun that there’s already a contingency plan in place.

It’s unclear how far along Dianne is in her pregnancy (Credit: Splash News)

‘Producers have a plan in place’ 

“Everyone at Strictly is absolutely thrilled by Dianne and Joe’s news, particularly as they met and were seen falling in love during the course of the show in 2018,” the insider said.

“This is being thought of as the first Strictly baby because never before has a professional knowingly been pregnant while dancing on the contest. Producers have plans in place. There are several pros who could easily step in and take over at a moment’s notice. The show must go on.”

They continued: “On Saturday night’s show her bump was already very noticeable, although it certainly didn’t seem to hold her back physically. The BBC’s primary concern is the health and wellbeing of Dianne and they fully intend to support her through the process with regular check-ins from the welfare team.”

In a statement, the BBC said: “We do not comment on personal medical matters.”

Dianne and Chris reunited for one last dance for the 2025 launch (Credit: BBC)

Pregnant Dianne Buswell responds to health worries

Recently, Dianne hit back at claims she shouldn’t be competing on the show Winning Isn’t Everything – the podcast she shares with Chris.

After a doctor told ED! that Dianne would need “careful monitoring” while competing on the show, her doctor told her: “You’re a dancer, you have done lifts, crack on and keep doing what you were doing,” she said.

Dianne then explained: “It’s only if you are new. He wouldn’t recommend now for me to start and take up dancing, and learn all those things now. Because my muscles are not used to it. But he said since you’ve danced since you were five, this is literally what your body is meant to do.”

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American supermodel Janice Dickinson, 70, tripped over a cable in the Kruger National Par while filming the All Stars series of I’m A Celebrity – falling face-first to the ground

Janice Dickinson Sues ITV After Horror Fall on I’m A Celebrity — Star Left Bloodied and Broken in South Africa Jungle Nightmare

The “world’s first supermodel” is taking her jungle battle from the Kruger National Park straight into the High Court.

American icon Janice Dickinson, 70, has launched a legal war against ITV bosses after a shocking on-set accident forced her to quit the All Stars edition of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2023.

The legendary model and former America’s Next Top Model judge tripped over a cable while filming in South Africa, crashing face-first into the ground in a terrifying fall that left her with a black eye, a head wound, and fears of a fractured skull.

Paramedics rushed Dickinson to hospital, where doctors ruled out a break — but she was left battered, shaken, and permanently scarred. “There’s still an indentation on my forehead,” she revealed. “I don’t think it will ever fill out.”

‘I Came Here to Win!’

Despite calling the fall an “honest accident,” Dickinson insists the aftermath was devastating. “Even when I was on a stretcher, I was crying: ‘I came here to win this contest,’” she confessed.

The star says she begged producers to let her return to camp, but ITV pulled the plug, fearing the other celebrities couldn’t handle her condition. “I was in shock even a day after,” she admitted.

Dickinson — who rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s and went on to conquer TV as a larger-than-life personality — has now filed a personal injury claim against ITV Studios Limited, dated September 19.

While the exact amount remains under wraps, insiders say the claim could stretch into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Holding Hands, Hiding Pain

After the ordeal, Dickinson recalled the emotional moment she reunited with her husband, Robert Gerner. “My husband’s face didn’t budge when he saw me… but he held my hand really tight, so I knew something must be up.”

ITV reportedly covered her initial medical bills in Los Angeles, where she underwent intensive laser treatment to repair her injuries.

Still, Dickinson insists the emotional scars run deeper than the physical ones. “Emotions were at a high. I was crying and laughing and peeing on myself at the same time. It was terrible.”

ITV Stays Silent

Neither Dickinson’s agent nor ITV have commented publicly on the lawsuit, which is now set to play out in the courts.

But one thing is certain — the jungle queen isn’t done fighting.

Stacey Solomon’s son Zach’s dad and wife make debut on Stacey & Joe

Fans were shocked to see him

TV star Stacey Solomon’s ex Dean Cox made his debut on Stacey & Joe, alongside his wife, Nikki, to celebrate the birthday of their son Zach.

Stacey, who has five children, has rarely spoken about her son’s Zach and Leighton’s fathers in the limelight. But last night (September 23), that all changed, when Zach’s dad made an appearance on her BBC show.

Fans were treated to an insight of Stacey and Dean’s relationship and just how she and Joe make their blended family work.

Stacey was proud of her relationship with Zach’s dad (Credit: BBC)

Stacey Solomon and Dean Cox’s relationship

Stacey was 17 when she fell pregnant with son Zach, with with childhood sweetheart Dean Cox. But the couple ended up splitting before Zach was born.

While their romantic relationship ended, Stacey’s ex has continued to be a huge part of Zach’s life.

Stacey has chosen to not speak about the dads of her sons. But now, fans actually got to see what their relationship is really like.

Dean made an appearance on the latest episode (Credit: BBC)

Stacey’s ex makes his debut on TV

Stacey & Joe continued last night on BBC. This episode featured the celebrations of Zach’s 17th birthday. And joining the family was Zach’s dad and his partner.

In the show Dean and Nikki arrived in time for dinner and were welcomed with open arms. The family sat around the dinner table looking at baby photos of Zach, laughing and joking.

Stacey said to Dean: “I think he’s such a good boy though, we got so lucky.”

Dean agreed: “We did alright!”

Then Joe spoke to the camera about the importance of making sure Dean was always a part of Zach’s life.

He said: “I know how important it is to make sure dads stay in their kids lives. I know what it’s like having someone else in their life. So, for me, I just want to bridge that gap and make it nice and easy for them.”

Zach actually spoke to the camera himself, explaining how “amazing” it was having his whole family together.

The 17 year old said: “That was amazing. I think when you’re with your family, with everyone, it’s lovely.”

Stacey agreed, saying: “In this scenario, it’s all about the child basically. It’s better for them that they’ve got these two families who absolutely love the bones of them than to be fighting over them. That would be horrible for them.”

The family shared dinner together (Credit: BBC)

Fans praise the blended family

When the clip was shared on TikTok, fans immediately flocked to the comments, praising the family for the way they work together.

One wrote: “True co-parenting at its best!”

Another penned: “So brilliant to see. Blended families are so important, and help every child.”

“How lovely this is to see. So many families don’t integrate and that’s so sad.”

However one fan didn’t quite believe what they were seeing.

They commented: “All for the camera. I’m not buying it.”

Dani Dyer holds back tears as she breaks silence on Strictly withdrawal

Dani Dyer has broken her silence after being forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing just days before the first live show

Dani addressed her social media followers (Image: Instagram/danidyerxx)

Dani Dyer battled back tears as she spoke out about her devastating departure from Strictly Come Dancing in a heartfelt message to her supporters. The 29-year-old made her debut on the beloved BBC competition during Saturday evening’s launch programme on 20 September, joining the other 14 famous faces taking part.

Throughout the show, viewers discovered she had been matched with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin. Nevertheless, today, mere days ahead of the inaugural live performance, it was revealed that Dani has been forced to withdraw after fracturing her ankle during a tumble whilst practising. Speaking to her 3.7 million followers through a poignant video on her Instagram stories, Dani momentarily stopped to compose herself as she became emotional.

 

She expressed: “Hi guys, I’m going to do this, and try and do this without crying, but yeah, I’m so heartbroken, like I’ve not felt like this in such a long time.

“I was having the best time ever… It’s just (a) very, very annoying, devastating thing that I’m kind of going through right now, but I’m probably just going to have a few days off my socials just to, you know, process things.

“I just want to thank you all so much for all your love and support. But yeah, I’m gutted, I’m absolutely gutted.”

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In a statement released earlier today, mother of three Dani revealed: “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 I’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.”

This Morning host Ben Shephard forced to apologise after guest Lulu swears live on air

This Morning descended into chaos on Wednesday

Wednesday’s instalment of This Morning was brought to a dramatic halt after a guest swore on live TV.

ITV fans couldn’t believe what they were hearing after host Ben Shephard had to pause programming for the blunder.

Singing sensation Lulu appeared on the show alongside Ben and his co-host Cat Deeley when she made the mistake.

Lulu appeared on This Morning on Wednesday (Credit: ITV)

Lulu caught swearing on This Morning

Ben Shephard halted This Morning to make an urgent apology after Lulu dropped the F-bomb while making a tragic admission.

The 76-year-old singer was discussing her battle with alcoholism when she swore while quoting her friend Sir Elton John.

“It was never bad because I was never a fall-down drunk,” she explained.

“My son didn’t know, he said: ‘Wait a minute, Mum, are you sure?’ and Elton said: ‘How the [bleep] did I miss that?’”

Ben apologises for Lulu’s swearing

Ben jumped into action after Lulu’s blunder, telling ITV viewers he was sorry.

“Elton has an interesting vocabulary, we need to be quite careful because it’s quite early. Apologies, you’ll understand that it was Elton saying that and not Lulu.”

Looking red-faced, Lulu added: “I’m so sorry, I am so sorry. Also, it’s me trying to push the story. How did I miss that?”

ITV viewers couldn’t believe it

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) after the F-bomb, fans couldn’t quite believe what they’d just heard on live television.

“Did Lulu just drop F bomb ? I thought my ears were deceiving me #ThisMorning,” one said.

Another added: “Lulu casually dropping the F bomb on #ThisMorning.”

A third penned: “It’s okay, Lulu. Us watching say [bleep] quite a lot. #thismorning”

Sharing the clip of the moment, another said: “For those that didn’t catch it, Lulu saying [bleep] on daytime tv #thismorning”

One was clearly a fan of the blunder, admitting: “I feel like Lulu should just be given her own slot on here. #ThisMorning.”

Fans couldn’t believe what they heard (Credit: ITV)

Lulu’s heartbreaking admission

Despite swearing, Lulu did go on to tell her devastating story on This Morning. She’s been sober for more than a decade, but recalled being “ashamed” before.

“I was very secretive, I was so ashamed of it. I would go out and have a drink, a couple of drinks,” she told Ben and Cat.

“I would go home, and have another drink. You know you’re an alcoholic if you can’t stop. I have a lot of friends who have a drink and say: ‘Oh I’ve had enough,’ but I couldn’t do that.

“I was a highly-functioning alcoholic, that’s why nobody knew. I would fall asleep sozzled. I’d set the alarm, wake up for work the next day, brush myself off and go to work.”

Good Morning Britain viewers furious over migrant report: ‘Giving criminals £2k of taxpayers’ money to leave!’

The shocking footage was shown during today’s episode of the show

Good Morning Britain sparked outrage today after airing an exclusive report showing migrant criminals being deported from the UK with bank cards preloaded with thousands of pounds of taxpayer cash.

During Tuesday’s (September 24) episode of Good Morning Britain, presenters Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley introduced footage filmed by ITV News.

A team from the network was granted rare access onboard a deportation flight carrying 47 Romanian nationals convicted of crimes ranging from theft to sexual abuse and even murder.

The shocking footage was shown during today’s episode of Good Morning Britain (Credit: ITV)

GMB broadcasts footage from migrant deportation

Richard explained that the removal operation cost “hundreds of thousands of pounds”, before noting that each passenger was handed a card “preloaded with up to £2,000 to help them resettle”.

ITV’s UK editor, Paul Brand, who accompanied the flight, told viewers it took more than 100 staff to oversee the process.

“For the taxpayer, this is not a budget flight,” he said over footage of migrants being escorted up the stairs in restraints. “We caught compliant migrants being given bank cards preloaded with money.”

Faces were blurred in the broadcast. However, cameras showed six guards accompanying some individuals, while others were strapped into their seats to prevent violence.

Susanna Reid observed that “people might be shocked to see convicted criminals given that amount of money”.

Paul explained that the payouts form part of the Facilitated Return Scheme. This scheme is designed to persuade foreign nationals to leave voluntarily rather than drag out legal challenges.

“It looks bad,” he admitted. However, he acknowledged that this method was cheaper than keeping them in UK prisons.

The Home Office confirmed that the criminals, who all entered the UK legally before committing offences, were returned to Romania to live freely once they landed.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the optics were poor.

“It doesn’t look good,” she told ITV News, as reported by the Daily Mail. But she defended the policy. “A voluntary removal is actually cheaper for the British taxpayer. It has long been the case that we offer financial packages as an incentive for people to drop their claims… and to board a flight and leave.”

ITV News editor Paul Brand discussed the footage with Richard and Susanna (Credit: ITV)

Viewers react

However, not everyone agreed. On social media, furious viewers accused the government of rewarding lawbreakers.

“#GMB treating criminals like some parents treat their naughty kids, give ‘em a bribe and that’ll sort it!!” one fumed.

Another raged: “Rewarding criminals when they get deported? Unbelievable.”

“Why give migrants who have committed serious crimes in the UK £2k when we deport them? Yet, the Government here go after disabled and pensioners,” a third viewer posted. “I get that it costs more to imprison them, but a £2k gift takes the [bleep].”

Others called the policy “laughable” and “a joke”. One viewer added, “A prepaid £2,000 bank card as a quick thank you for committing a serious crime in our country, whilst enjoying a free flight home, seems fair.”

“This government’s deportation policy is laughable by the day,” another tweeted. “Giving Criminals £2000 of taxpayers’ money to leave!”

According to the Home Office, around 5,000 foreign national offenders were deported from Britain last year.

This Morning hits ‘new low’ as fuming ITV viewers slam Pup Idol segment: ‘What is this?’

‘I’m having an out of body experience’

Viewers of This Morning almost threatened to switch off during a truly odd segment of Pup Idol on Wednesday’s episode.

Hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley introduced the section of the show, leaving fans baffled.

It saw pet pooches battle it out as they ‘sang’ and ‘played the piano’ on today’s installment (September 24) live on ITV.

Bizarre Pup Idol on This Morning

Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas was roped in to judge the Pup Idol as a team of three watched in amazement.

Ben introduced the final, saying, “The doggy soap star we’ve all been waiting for.”

Viewers were left baffled by the Pup Idol. (Picture: ITV)
One of the pups performed a rendition of the Frozen song Let It Go, while another completed a challenging obstacle course.

A third dog played the piano while a fourth joined in the singing.

Viewers slammed ITV

Some fans certainly weren’t enjoying the Pup Idol segment on This Morning, with one even branding it “viewer abuse”.

They flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to slam the ‘cringe’ installment.

“Give me strength,” one penned on the platform. While another said: “Please, make it stop.”

Someone else said: “I feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience. What is this nonsense?”

Another user wrote: “This is a new low, surely.” Sharing a clip, another expressed: “What is this?”

“What in the name of Simon Cowell is this?” someone else asked.

This Morning swearing chaos

The Pup Idol wasn’t the most chaotic part of Wednesday’s episode of This Morning.

Singer Lulu brought the show to a halt after dropping an F-bomb live on air, leaving to apologies to viewers.

Fans couldn’t believe what they heard. Picture: ITV
The 76-year-old was discussing her battle with alcoholism when she swore while quoting her friend Elton John.

“My son didn’t know, he said ‘Wait a minute, Mum, are you sure…’ and Elton said ‘How the [bleep] did I miss that?’”

Ben told ITV viewers he was sorry. “Elton has an interesting vocabulary, we need to be quite careful because it’s quite early.

“Apologies, you’ll understand that it was Elton saying that and not Lulu.”

Looking red-faced, Lulu added: “I’m so sorry, I am so sorry. Also, it’s me trying to push the story. How did I miss that?”

Dani Dyer’s Strictly replacement ‘revealed’ as BBC star – and she’s been on show before

Dani Dyer ‘s replacement on Strictly Come Dancing may have been decided already. Dyer announced on Tuesday that she had been forced to withdraw from the BBC show, after suffering a horror injury.

Dyer told her fans that she had fractured her ankle during rehearsals and had to withdraw on medical grounds, leaving her “heartbroken”. Dani, 29, was set to dance with professional star Nikita Kuzmin on the programme, which will air its first live show this weekend.

However, it looks like Waterloo Road Tillie Amartey is reportedly already in talks to join the programme.

The actress, 22, who appeared on the Strictly 2023 Christmas special, is said to have been making trips from her home in Leeds to London to meet with executives.

She previously told Express.co.uk that she was “desperate” to appear on Strictly after getting an impressive 39/40 on the show, saying she “needs to get the full marks” and would jump at the chance to make a full debut, joking for people to “start a petition”.

Tillie added: “Strictly gave me a new confidence, Neil supported me through it all, it was the best experience. I would love to do it again with him, just for the moral support as he was so great with me.

“People say a lot about Strictly with scandals and chaperones, but come back and talk to me when I’ve done a series. It was such a whirlwind and a once in a lifetime opportunity, but I would love to top the last time.”

A source told The Sun: “The feeling is that if she is filling the shoes vacated by Dani, the programme needs another young, glam woman to take her spot.

“There is already an imbalance in the genders among the celebrities as there are nine men taking part and six women. It’s essential the number of females taking part doesn’t drop further, and they want to try and maintain a similar balance in terms of the variety of ages too”, reports the Mirror.

Tillie, the niece of Spice Girls star Melanie Brown MBE, first appeared on CBBC’s 4 O’Clock Club back in 2016. Following her stint on the programme, Tillie has subsequently featured in the likes of Doctors, The Teacher and Moving On.

However, Tillie is most recognised for portraying determined Stacey Neville on the BBC revival of Waterloo Road, which she joined in 2024. It was for this performance that she secured Best Breakthrough at the I Talk Telly Awards.

When contacted regarding Tillie’s potential involvement in the programme, a BBC Spokesperson stated: “We don’t comment on speculation.”

After the announcement, Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios, commented: “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.”

Strictly fallout in full – two stars quit, one unhappy pro and controversies continue

Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by two exits, one unhappy pro and a very controversial signing and the hit BBC series has only been back on screens for a week

Strictly Come Dancing has only been back on screens for one week and the show has already been thrown into chaos. The hit BBC dance competition was hoping to brush off its many scandals from recent years with the huge return on Saturday night.

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However, it seems Strictly’s turmoil is showing no signs of slowing down. Two celebrity contestants have quit the series, with bosses reportedly struggling to get stars to sign up earlier this year.

There has also been a storm around controversial Thomas Skinner, and one very unhappy professional dancer. It all follows dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima’s axes plus a bullying probe and alleged drugs scandal.

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Two celebrity exits

Dani has been forced to quit after an injury(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Kristian pulled out of the show last month(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Reality TV star Dani made her debut this past weekend with professional Nikita Kuzmin, however her Strictly dream has come crashing to a halt. She is no longer taking part in the series having suffered a fall in rehearsals.

The Love Islander devastatingly shared: “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.

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“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.”

Dani isn’t the only celebrity to have pulled out of the 2025 series. Last month, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn pulled out, saying he’s been struggling with “a high level of stress and a little bit of grief”. He was later replaced by former Emmerdale star, Lewis Cope.

One unhappy pro

Nancy shared her disappointment at not having a celebrity partner(Image: nancy_xuxi/Instagram)

She danced with Shayne Ward last year(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Professional dancer Nancy Xu has directly addressed rumours she’s not happy about missing out on a celebrity pairing this year, in a bombshell social media clip. It had been claimed she’d been left upset by the situation, and Nancy confirmed that for herself.

She shared a clip of her being asked if she was “okay” by co-stars, where she replied “yeah” and smiling. Her video then cut to Nancy addressing the camera as she expressed gratitude for the support that she has received.

Nancy said: “I am okay. I am okay. As you all know now, I don’t have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing this year. In the very beginning, when I just received the messages, it [did] upset me and [I] felt disappointed.”

The dancer, who joined the BBC show in 2019, said about having moved to the UK from China: “All I wanted is to achieve my dream. Strictly has given me such a big platform to allow me to show my skills, show my talents.

“Of course, I felt this year has been left out but I’m good because I’m still part of the Strictly family. This year you will possibly hear my voice more than ever because I will give all my energy to support all my Strictly family. I will be there cheering for them.”

A controversial signing

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Thomas Skinner has been paired with professional Amy Dowden(Image: BBC)

Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner turned heads when he signed up to the show, and has continued to prove his controversial nature already. Many thought he wasn’t a right fit for the family-friendly BBC show due to his outspoken nature and Twitter rants.

Things heated up earlier this month at the press launch for the show when he snatched a reporters phone and stormed off. It was later revealed he had cheated on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding.

On Saturday, he was paired with beloved professional dancer Amy Dowden, much to the dismay of fans. Following backlash over his signing, Thomas raged: “Now I see people are fumin’ that I’m on Strictly…. and the funny thing is that the majority of them got ‘be kind’ wrote in their bios.

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“You couldn’t make it up. Let me tell you this. I won’t be cancelled. I ain’t gonna kill myself like some of you want. I’m still here. I’m still standin. Trust me when I say this; I am stronger than people think. Every insult, every lie, every attack….it don’t break me, it builds me stronger.”