Dani Dyer worried about 'getting injured again' on Strictly Come Dancing
Dani Dyer is taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, having been forced to pull out of last year's series after she fell and fractured her ankle in training ahead of that season's first live show.
Dani Dyer fears "getting injured again" when she returns to Strictly Come Dancing later this month.
The Love Island alum was left in tears of joy after being given a second shot at doing the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show, having been forced to pull out of last year's series after she fell and fractured her ankle in training ahead of that season's first live show.
Although Dani, 30, is delighted to "finally get the opportunity to properly experience the Strictly journey" and "give it my all", she admits feeling "nervous" about pushing herself too hard and hurting herself.
The TV personality said: "If I'm really honest, my biggest fear is getting injured again. I'm going to do everything I can to look after myself, stay positive and just enjoy every moment of the experience. Doing the Quickstep definitely scares me a little…."
Dani thinks she will get "really emotional" when she does her first dance after only getting a taster with her 2025 professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 28, during last year's launch show and a few days of training afterwards.
But the beauty is also nervous about getting judged on her routines by Craig Revel Horwood, 61, Motsi Mabuse, 45, Shirley Ballas, 66, and 60-year-old Anton Du Beke.
She added: "I'm quite sensitive and definitely my own biggest critic, I'll probably overthink everything."
Dani has been advised by her 2025 co-star, 38-year-old Vicky Pattison "not to put too much pressure on myself, to embrace the whole experience and have fun with it".
The advice has helped put her at ease, with the reality TV star seeing how "nervous" former Geordie Shore cast member Vicky "was at the start" of her own Strictly Come Dancing journey, before going on to do "brilliantly", which has given Dani "a lot of confidence and inspiration".
Dani is determined not to let her worries overshadow her comeback, and she cannot wait to throw herself into the experience.
She said: "I seriously couldn’t be more excited to join. 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 the Strictly journey.
"I am excited, nervous, and emotional - all the feelings!
"But more than anything, I can’t wait to get stuck into learning 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!"
She added: "Getting another chance feels really special. 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!"
Dani's loved ones were equally "buzzing" that she has got another chance at competing for the programme's coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on September 19 when hosts Emma Willis, 50, Josh Widdicombe, 43, and Johannes Radebe, 39, introduce the 2026 contestants to their professional partners on the launch show.
Joining Dani are EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, 38, Neighbours alum Delta Goodrem, 41, Love Island alum Cach Mercer, 25, and 43-year-old celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.
Big Brother host Will Best, 41, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, Babs actress Jaime Winstone, 41, football player-turned-pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, and House of the Dragon's Bethany Antonia, 28, are also taking to the dance floor.
Completing the line-up are dog trainer Graeme Hall, 60, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, 34, Olympic skeleton gold medallist Tabby Stoecker, 25, YouTube star John Nellis, 33, and 64-year-old Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters.
The live competition format kicks off the following week, Saturday, September 26.
However, the first results show, and elimination will not air until Sunday, October 4, and it has been confirmed that the winners of this year's Glitterball Trophy will be revealed on Saturday, December 19.
