Danny Dyer reacts as Dani Dyer withdraws from Strictly days before first live show

The news that Dani Dyer has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing has since prompted reaction from her father Danny Dyer. It was announced this evening that she will no longer compete on the new series of the BBC show.

Dani, 29, was due to compete in the dance contest with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, but she's now revealed in a statement that she's dropped out due to an injury. It comes just days after the pre-recorded launch show, which unveiled this year's couples, aired on Saturday night.

Love Island winner Dani's departure from Strictly, which comes just days before the first live show this weekend, was shared on social media tonight. The show's post on Instagram was met with reaction from fans, colleagues and Dani's father Danny, 48, who expressed his disappointment over the news.

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Danny posted an emoji of a broken heart in the comments section of the post, which was shared on Strictly's page as well as others, including on Dani's page. Former EastEnders star Danny didn't write anything beside the emoji.

He isn't the only person disappointed by the situation. Some of Dani's colleagues from Strictly also responded to the announcement on the platform. Fellow contestant Vicky Pattison commented: "Absolutely devastated for you Dani. I'm going to miss you so much ... Love you loads."

Several of the professional dancers also shared messages. Michelle Tsiakkas wrote: "I'm so sorry Dani and Nikita ... Wishing you a speedy recovery." Whilst Karen Hauer said: "Oh darling nooo. So sorry ... wishing you a speedy recovery."

Dianne Buswell reacted: "I'm so sorry Dani and Nikita. We will miss you so much." Johannes Radebe said: "Gutted for you both, take care of yourself." Luba Mushtuk said in her response: "Oh no, I'm so so sorry. Please get well soon."

Motsi Mabuse wrote: "Oh so sorry. Get well soon. Health first." Fellow judge Shirley Ballas also reacted to the news, with her writing in the comments section: "I'm so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel."

The reactions come after it was announced that Dani fractured her ankle amid rehearsals for Strictly. She said in a statement issued earlier: "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. 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."

Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, 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."

The statement concluded with Sarah hinting at a potential return for Dani in the future. Sarah wrote: "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."

Strictly Come Dancing continues with the first live show of the new series on Saturday from 6.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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