Dani Dyer reveals ‘over-the-top special measures’ she has taken to prevent injury after pulling out of Strictly 2025
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin have introduced an extensive protection routineDani Dyer is taking extra layers of protection as she prepares for her Strictly comeback. The former Love Island winner was forced to withdraw following an injured ankle last year. And she refuses to have the same thing happen this time.
The returning contestant discussed the revised rehearsal routine on Monday’s BBC Morning Live.
She has reunited with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin after an injury ended their 2025 partnership before the competition began. But the pair are now taking no chances with Dani’s feet and ankle.
Dani Dyer reveals protection plan
Nikita said strapping has become a major part of their preparations.
He explained: “Oh, we are doing a lot of strapping. We are strapping everything. Absolutely everything.”
Dani also has tape available throughout rehearsals for additional support. The protective sequence includes tape, an ankle brace, a shoe and targeted exercises.
Nikita added: “We have a tape, then we have an ankle brace, then we have a shoe, we do exercises. We are going full out.”
The precautions are not confined to rehearsals as Dani even taped her feet before wearing heels to a wedding on Saturday.
She admitted: “Yeah, because I had to wear heels and I was like, I’m taping my feet. So, yeah, a little bit over-the-top. But it’s special measures.”
Her “OTT” description was light-hearted, but the purpose behind the routine is clear. Every layer is intended to prevent another injury from wrecking her return.
Dani Dyer sets one clear Strictly goal
Dani’s main goal is simply to “get to week one this time”. Last week, she and Nikita passed the rehearsal day when last year’s injury happened.
Dani celebrated that milestone, saying the pair had finally made it through. The moment mattered because her first attempt ended before she could properly start.
She said: “So, yeah, I just want to have the best time ever because, like I said before, I was so upset. So, just to be back, I just want to enjoy the experience.”
Her return gives the original partnership another chance after an abrupt ending. And fans are thrilled to see them reunite on the dance-floor.
Dani Dyer’s 2025 ankle injury explained
The fractured ankle that ended Dani’s original Strictly run occurred during rehearsals ahead of the 2025 series.
At first, Dani thought she had merely rolled her foot. But severe swelling prompted an MRI scan, which established that she had fractured her ankle.
Continuing with the quickstep was then ruled out, forcing her withdrawal. Dani later said leaving was difficult because she had been having such a good time.
She struggled to leave home and said the experience had tested her mental health. Against that history, this year’s first rehearsal landmark carries extra weight.
Nikita’s adapted plan now covers support, footwear and conditioning rather than relying on one precaution.
Nothing guarantees an injury-free series, but the pair are addressing the exact concern which stopped them before.
For Dani, the immediate priority remains reaching the dancefloor and enjoying the experience she lost.
That makes week one the first victory.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
