STRICTLY Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison has seemingly confirmed Dani Dyer will return to the hit BBC series in 2026 after she withdrew from the current instalment due to injury.
The Geordie Shore alum, 37, formed a strong bond with the Love Island champ, 29, during their initial training for this year’s competition, with the pair often sharing supportive messages on social media.
Yet after being paired with BBC show pro Nikita Kuzmin, 27, and dazzling in the launch show, Dani sadly suffered an ankle injury and was forced to withdraw before the first live show.
The mum of three was understandably left devastated by the fracture and recently told how she had “written the year off” and was “done” after her entire winter plans had changed.
Yet brunette beauty Dani, who is back training in the gym after the mishap during her training, put on a brave face to support the rest of the 2025 line-up during Saturday’s Icons Week.
A huge segment of her support went to her show BFF Vicky, who wowed with a Couple’s Choice routine in honour of popstar Cheryl.
On her Instagram grid, Dani posted a series of images showing her posing with Vicky and her professional partner Kai Widdrington, and wrote in her caption: “So happy I got to watch @bbcstrictly last night.. missed you all and so proud.
“And my beautiful @vickypattison just love you so much and watching you live was just PERFECT!! love you all loads.”
In the comments, I’m A Celeb champ Vicky was quick to write: “Love you so much mate my girl!!!
“I will be front row every week next year watching you SMASH IT.”
After she re-posted the image to her Stories, Vicky again suggested Dani’s spot in the next instalment was a done deal.
She wrote: “Can’t wait to come and watch you next year.”
Vicky and Kai scooped 33 for their routine, leaving them joint second place on the leaderboard.
Meanwhile, Dani had been replaced by fellow Love Island star Amber Davies in this year’s instalment.
NIKITA’S CLUE
Previously, her former show partner Nikita sent fans wild when he suggested she would make a comeback next year.
The professional dancer said Dani’s early exit “broke his heart” before sending fans wild with a hidden message.
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Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
Sharing snaps from their rehearsals, he wrote: “So so gutted to have finished our journey before it even properly started.
“The amount of laughs and fun we had in this short time was unbelievable.
“Really loved our partnership and hope that one day we can actually get to week 1 lol but, heath is the most important thing.
“I’m wishing you the absolute best Dani, you’re so lovely, positive and a wonderful human being. And it breaks my heart knowing how excited you were to do your absolute best on the show!”
Nikita then teased: “Hopefully we can pick up next year.
“Love from #danita or #dakita or #Nani (WE ACTUALLY HAVEN’T DECIDED ON THE TEAM NAME IN TIME).”
Dani’s comeback has not been confirmed officially or by the BBC.
SHOW SHOCKS
During Saturday’s episode, head judge Shirley Ballas was called out by fans after she clapped back at their “booing.”
The judges also faced a backlash after fans suggested George and Alexis were subject to notably harsh criticism for their number – a Jive to Harry Styles‘ popular song As It Was.
Meanwhile, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman got teary as they opened the first show since announcing they were quitting at the end of the series.
Tess and Claudia announced their plans to step down from hosting Strictly Come Dancing on Thursday.
The two made history as primetime television’s first female presenting duo when they paired up to co-host the show in 2014.
Both had been part of Strictly since 2004, Tess hosting the main show with Bruce Forsyth and Claudia on spin-off It Takes Two.
Cheeky Strictly star La Voix then threw her hat in the ring for the role – with a comment that left Claudia in stitches.
Shirley’s remarks came shortly before the Strictly spoiler leaked the results of Icons Week – and which famous face was eliminated.
