Emotional Dani Dyer’s fears over Strictly return after horror injury ended her show dream

STRICTLY’S Dani Dyer says she cried tears of joy after being given a second chance to showcase her moves on the BBC show. Forced off last year’s series after breaking her ankle, the reality star will be one of 15 celebrities battling it out for the glitterball trophy this year. Dani Dyer says she cried tears of joy after being given a second chance to showcase her moves on the BBC show Credit: BBC Dani with dad Danny and mum Joanne Mas Credit: Rex Dani, who rose to fame on Love Island, was “shocked” to be asked back to Strictly — and shared her fears about getting hurt again ahead of Saturday’s launch show. She said: “I seriously couldn’t be more excited to join. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “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. “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.” Paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, Dani landed awkwardly in training last September during the 2025 series. She was rushed to hospital, where a scan confirmed she had fractured her ankle. Most read in TV Dani said: ‘I can’t wait to finally get the opportunity to properly experience Strictly’ Credit: Instagram Paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, Dani landed awkwardly in training last September during the 2025 series Credit: BBC Dani had only taken part in the pre-recorded launch show ahead of the first competitive week of the series. Now the mum-of-three can’t wait to get back on the dance floor and show everyone her moves. “Getting another chance feels really special,” she beamed. “I’m just so grateful to be back and to get out on the dance floor, enjoy every moment and give it absolutely everything I’ve got. “I’m ready for the glitter, the fake tan, the sore feet — and hopefully a few good dance moves along the way. “Last year I only got a small taste of the excitement with the launch show and just a few days of training, and I just loved it. “I know I’m going to be really emotional when I finally do my first dance. After everything that’s happened, that moment will mean so much to me.” Worried about facing judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas, Dani is also praying last year’s injury nightmare doesn’t repeat itself. She admitted: “I’m probably most nervous about getting out on that dance floor for the first time and being judged. Dani was forced off last year’s series after breaking her ankle Credit: danidyerxx/Instagram Dani said: ‘The quick step scares me a little. But my biggest fear is getting injured again’ Credit: Instagram Dani Dyer “I’m quite sensitive and definitely my own biggest critic. I’ll probably overthink everything. “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.” Leaning on her family and friends as she goes on the Strictly journey again, Dani says Rivals actor dad Danny, mum Jo and West Ham ace husband Jarrod Bowen are all delighted to see her on the show. “They were absolutely buzzing,” she recalled. “They knew how much this meant to me. They were all so supportive and just really happy that I got another chance. “Jarrod’s mum, Nat, absolutely loves Strictly and was convinced I was going to do it before I even knew myself. She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. “My mum as well. She’s one of my biggest supporters and is always in my corner. We love a dance together and I know she’ll be watching every week.” Fellow reality star Vicky Pattison, who came eighth on last year’s series of Strictly, gave her pal some sage advice. Dani said: “We became really close and she always says, ‘Just enjoy every single moment because it goes by so quickly.’ “She told me not to put too much pressure on myself, to embrace the whole experience and have fun with it. “Knowing how nervous she was at the start and how brilliantly she did has definitely given me a lot of confidence and inspiration.” Dani has also made pals with the new crop of celebrities taking part this year, which includes Australian singer Delta Goodrem, EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, ex-footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton. She said: “It looks like such a lovely group, and going through an experience like Strictly creates a really special bond. “And if Chris Appleton fancies giving me a blow dry while we’re there, I definitely won’t be saying no.” Comment now