Dani Dyer admits 'tears' over Strictly stint as she reveals her 'biggest fear'
Dani is back!Dani Dyer has admitted another injury remains her biggest fear as she prepares for her Strictly Come Dancing return.
Speaking to The Sun, the reality star said she cried after learning the competition had offered her another chance.
Her fractured ankle ended her 2025 Strictly run before she could dance in the competition’s opening week. She is now one of 15 celebrities hoping to lift this year’s Glitterball Trophy.
Dani Dyer shares fears over another Strictly injury
Dani landed awkwardly during training last September, while partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
A hospital scan confirmed an ankle fracture, forcing her withdrawal after only the pre-recorded launch show. The sudden exit left Dani without a competitive dance, despite several days of training.
When the invitation to return arrived, her reaction was immediate.
“I cried when I got the call. I didn’t want to assume, after everything that happened last year, that I would get another chance. I can’t wait to finally get the opportunity to properly experience Strictly,” she said.
“I am excited, nervous and emotional. But more than anything, I can’t wait to get stuck in, learn how to dance and make the most of every single moment. As long as I don’t trip over my own feet I will be happy.”
Dani Dyer shares her ‘biggest fear’ on Strictly
Dani said: “The quick step scares me a little. But my biggest fear is getting injured again. I’m going to do everything I can to look after myself, stay positive and enjoy every moment of the experience.”
The judging also worries her. She described herself as sensitive, prone to overthinking and her own harshest critic.
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas await her on the panel.
Dani Dyer prepares for an emotional first dance
Dani expects her first proper dance to be emotional after last year’s brief experience.
She is eager to experience the full Strictly routine, including lessons, performances and weekly pressure.
Her wish list includes glitter, fake tan and sore feet, alongside a few successful dance moves. However, simply staying upright would satisfy her after joking about tripping over her own feet.
Her father, actor Danny Dyer, mother Jo and husband Jarrod Bowen were delighted by the second opportunity. Dani said they understood how much the return mattered and were ready to back her.
Jarrod’s mother, Nat, is a devoted Strictly viewer and one of Dani’s strongest cheerleaders. Jo also loves dancing with her daughter and plans to watch every week.
Vicky Pattison has encouraged Dani after finishing eighth in last year’s series. Her advice was to savour every moment, avoid excessive pressure and embrace the fun. Vicky’s own journey has given Dani extra confidence about managing those opening nerves.
Among Dani’s fellow contestants are Delta Goodrem, Lacey Turner, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Chris Appleton. She believes the shared intensity can create a strong bond across the cast.
Read more: Strictly pro Neil Jones ‘won’t get a celebrity partner this series’
Strictly will return on Saturday September 19 from 7.25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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.
