Bombshell: Strictly’s Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin backlash as fans left asking ‘is it fair’
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 rocked by ‘fix’ row as Dani Dyer reunited with Nikita Kuzmin
Strictly fans question BBC pairing after Dani Dyer is matched with Nikita Kuzmin for a second consecutive series
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has been hit by a fresh “fix” row after viewers discovered that Dani Dyer has been paired with Nikita Kuzmin once again.
The BBC dance show returned to screens with its latest line-up of celebrity contestants, all hoping to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy at the end of the competition.
But before the first dances have even taken place, some viewers have already been left questioning the decision to reunite Dani with Nikita.
The pair were originally partnered together during last year’s series, but their journey came to an abrupt end when Dani suffered an ankle fracture and was forced to withdraw from the competition.
She was subsequently replaced by fellow Love Island star Amber Davies, who went on to reach the 2025 final.
During Saturday night’s pre-recorded launch show, Dani discovered that she would once again be dancing with Nikita — and the reunion immediately divided viewers.
Some fans were thrilled to see the pair given another opportunity to compete together.
One viewer wrote on X: “So Dani and Nikita are reunited yayyy.”
Another posted: “Love that Dani and Nikita have been paired together again.”
However, others were less convinced by the decision and questioned whether Dani could have an advantage after already spending time training and performing with Nikita.
One viewer asked: “Is it fair that Dani has Nikita again? I’m happy about it but Jamie Laing was told he couldn’t have Oti again due to the advantage of having danced together before so I’m surprised the same rule doesn’t apply to Dani.”
Another fan echoed the concern, writing: “I can’t remember how long Nikita and Dani were together for last year, but is that a bit of an unfair advantage as they already know each other.”
The comments have sparked debate among Strictly viewers over whether the previous partnership could give Dani an edge compared with celebrities who are meeting their professional partners for the first time.
Dani’s previous Strictly experience was cut painfully short after her injury while attempting the Quickstep.
Speaking about the ordeal, she previously admitted that performing the dance while injured had been extremely difficult.
“Apparently, doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable,” Dani said.
She added that leaving the competition had been particularly emotional because she had been “having the best time” before the injury.
The 2026 return therefore represents a second chance for Dani to experience the Strictly journey properly.
Ahead of the new series, she admitted that she was particularly nervous about stepping back onto the dance floor and being judged.
“I’m quite sensitive and definitely my own biggest critic, I’ll probably overthink everything,” she told the BBC.
But her biggest concern was not the judges or the competition itself.
“My biggest fear is getting injured again,” Dani admitted.
She said she would do everything possible to look after herself, remain positive and enjoy the experience, although she acknowledged that the Quickstep still frightened her.
Dani also revealed just how emotional she felt when she was offered another chance to compete.
“I didn’t want to assume after everything that happened last year that I would get another chance,” she said.
Now, with Nikita back by her side, Dani has the opportunity to complete the journey that was interrupted last year.
Whether their reunion will ultimately prove to be an advantage remains to be seen.
For now, however, the pairing has already given Strictly viewers something to debate before the competition has properly begun — with some celebrating the reunion and others questioning whether the previous partnership should have been taken into consideration.
