Dani Dyer quits Strictly after breaking ankle in training with heartbreaking statement

Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into chaos on the eve of the first live show after Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw through injury.

Dani, 29, said of the news: "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."

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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."

BBC Strictly and Dani both shared the sad news on Instagram, with fans and viewers quickly sharing their devastation at the announcement. Among them was professional dancer Amy Dowden, who is paired with Tom Skinner on the show.

She wrote in the comments section: "Sending you so much love and a speedy recovery @danidyerxx absolutely gutted for you and @nikita__kuzmin." Tasha Ghouri also commented, saying: "Sending love to you @danidyerxx!! I hope you have a speedy recovery," alongside love heart emojis.

Just days earlier, Dani had been addressing the dreaded "Strictly curse" months after tying the knot with Premier League footballer Jarrod Bowen. She explained that the West Ham and England star, 28, was "so chill" and not worried about her taking part in the show, insisting "there is no Strictly curse".

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