Is Dani Dyer being replaced on Strictly and what happens when a celeb pulls out?

Love Island star Dani Dyerannounced the heartbreaking news that she will no longer compete in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing due to an injury - but will she be replaced?

Dani, who was partnered with former Celebrity Big Brother star Nikita Kuzmzin fractured her ankle during rehearsals on Friday, and will no longer be taking part in the series.

In a statement, the star 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.

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She continued: "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 first contestant of the new series to pull out before the live shows. 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.

When a star pulls out before the series starts, the BBC show will draft in a new contestant to replace them. With Dani pulling out just days before the first live show, it is not yet known whether another celebrity will stand in last minute.

A similar situation happened with Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing in 2019, after sustained an injury during the pre-recorded launch show. He was unable to continue the competition and was left wearing a boot for eight weeks of recovery.

Luckily, former Emmerdale starKelvin Fletcherwas on standby to take his place, and the Made in Chelsea star was invited back to participate in the show during the next series.

Last year, professional dancer Amy Dowden, who was partnered with JLS star JB Gill, was forced to pull out of the competition due to her ongoing recovery from a foot injury, half way through the series. In the event of a professional having to pull out, they will be replaced by another, as JB was partnered with Lauren Oakley for the remainder of the competition.

However, if a celebrity withdraws half way through, their partner will not be given another celebrity, and the show continues without the couple. The dancer will still be included in group routines and other special dances, however.

Should Dani be replaced, the announcement is expected to be revealed by the BBC soon, with the first live show kicking off this Saturday.

So far, the BBC have said: “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."

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