BBC Strictly debate erupts as former injured star Dani Dyer poised to return to line-up in new-look 2026 series

The 29-year-old television personality, who rose to fame after winning Love Island in 2018, was compelled to withdraw from last year’s competition before she had the opportunity to perform a single routine for the judges.

The daughter of Rivals actor Danny Dyer sustained a fractured ankle during rehearsals and departed the show just hours before the launch episode was due to be filmed.

| GETTY

The BBC has declined to comment on the speculation surrounding her potential comeback. A spokesperson has reiterated that any decisions on the 2026 series will be made in “due course”.

Elsewhere, however, a source revealed to The Sun: “Dani was beyond gutted when she had to quit Strictly.

“She never got a chance to do a single show or a dance for the judges so when the door was opened for her again by the BBC she jumped at the chance.”

The insider added that whilst Ms Dyer has yet to put pen to paper on a contract, she is making space in her schedule and has informed the broadcaster of her eagerness to participate.

| BBC

“To get a second chance to appear on Strictly is a dream come true for her,” the source continued.

During her brief 2025 stint, Ms Dyer was partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, and sources claim she is hopeful of being reunited with him for the forthcoming series.

“The first time around, she was paired with Nikita Kuzmin, and she hopes she will get him again. She is determined to get on the dance floor and show the viewers what she’s made of,” the source told the publication.

When announcing her departure from the 2025 series, Ms Dyer explained: “I thought I had rolled my foot, but it swelled up badly.

| PA

“After an MRI scan, it turns out I have fractured my ankle. Apparently, doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable.”

In the hours after the reports first emerged, Strictly fans flocked to social media to make their thoughts on the rumoured appointment clear.

“Ffs… Dani Dyer! Dross. We want Roy Keane, Michael Barrymore, Kathy Burke, Pete Doherty, Pam St Clement and Rik Waller,” one angry X user reacted.

But a second X user countered: “Would be great to see Dani Dyer get another shot after such a difficult setback. A comeback story always adds extra emotion and determination to shows like Strictly Come Dancing.”

Over on TikTok, the split in fans’ thoughts was evident once again.

“Probably needs the £££ now West Ham have been relegated,” one TikToker mocked following her partner Jarrod Bowen’s relegation with West Ham from the Premier League on Sunday.

“Please no,” a second simply put, while a third weighed in with an excitable: “YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS.” (sic)

Meanwhile, another hit out at the story with a short but brutal: “Hope not.”

| BBC

The mother-of-three, who is married to West Ham footballer Mr Bowen, spoke candidly about the emotional toll of her exit last year.

“It was so hard because I was having the best time of my life. [After I quit] I couldn’t leave the house, because I knew if someone said to me, ‘Are you OK?’, I’d just cry. It’s been really testing my mental health,” she said.

Following her withdrawal, Amber Davies stepped in as her replacement and went on to finish as runner-up, with former footballer Karen Carney ultimately claiming the Glitterball Trophy.

The 2026 series will mark a significant new chapter for the show with Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe confirmed as the new presenting team.

The trio will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed at the conclusion of the 2025 season in December.

The show has also seen a substantial shake-up behind the scenes, with several professional dancers, including Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez, all leaving ahead of the upcoming series.