Strictly’s Nikita was paired up with Dani Dyer initially (Image: BBC)

Love Island star Dani Dyer, who is also the daughter of EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, looks set to return to Strictly Come Dancing next year as a contestant. The 29-year-old, who had to pull out of the contest this year after sustaining a painful injury, was at Saturday night’s live show to support fellow reality TV star Vicky Pattison, 37, who was performing for Idols Week dressed as Geordie pop queen Cheryl Cole in her Fight for This Love era.

Taking to Instagram to share a picture of herself with Vicky, Dani wrote: ” I’m so happy I got to watch @bbcstrictly last night. I missed you all and am so proud. And my beautiful Vicky Pattison, I love you so much, and watching you live was just perfect. Love you all loads.”

Replying to Dani’s sweet words, Vicky wrote: “I love you so much mate. My girl. I will be front row every week next year watching you SMASH IT.”

The words appeared to confirm Dani’s participation in next year’s series, and she replied to the Geordie Shore star with multiple heart emojis. The comment was liked by dozens of their followers who must be hopeful Dani will make her dancing comeback.

The BBC has been contacted for comment by Express.co.uk.

Dani was partnered up with Ukrainian dancer Nikita Kuzmin before having to drop out of the competition ahead of the opening night.

She wrote on social media at the time of the withdrawal: “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… 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.”

She added: “I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”