Dani Dyer 'snubs' Strictly Come Dancing live show days after pulling out

Former Love Island star Dani Dyerwas unfortunately forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing earlier this week due to a fractured ankle. Tonight, hosts Claudia Winkelman and Tess Daley sent the star wishes from home, with many believing she may be watching from the audience.

Dani, who was partnered with pro dancer and Celebrity Big Brother star Nikita Kuzmin before pulling out, made the heartbreaking announcement just days after dancing on the pre recorded launch show with her partner.

However, just days after, she was advised by doctors not to dance, meaning she had to pull out of the show. In a statement, she wrote: "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."

Before kicking things off Tess and Claudia sent a heartfelt message to the star, with Claudia exclaiming: "Dani we will miss you so much and all of us are sending you all our love!"

"Lots of love Dani," Tess added.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter after the well wishes, one fan penned: "Dani would of done well, hopefully she comes back next year #Strictly," while another said: "Gutted for Dani, hope she comes back next year #strictly!"

However, the star did wish her co-stars well earlier in the day. Taking to her Instagram stories this morning the mum-of-three wrote: “Good luck to all the gorgeous cast starting there Strictly journey tonight. Can’t wait to watch you all, so proud & know how hard you’ve all been working.. see you all soon.”

Fans were unsure whether Dani would be replaced so last minute, but on Friday morning it was announced that former Love Island star and West End performer Amber Davies would be stepping into her dance shoes, dancing the Waltz with Nikita tonight.

Speaking on the last minute signing, Amber said: "This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I've watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.

"I'm going to give it my all and I am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud."

Follow along with the action from tonight's first live Strictly Come Dancing show by reading The Mirror's live blog here.

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