Dani Dyer-Bowen has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing after sustaining a fractured ankle during rehearsals, the BBC One program announced Tuesday.
The 29-year-old television personality, known for winning Love Island in 2018 and appearing on Celebrity MasterChef in 2023, injured herself during a practice session on Friday. An MRI scan confirmed the fracture on Monday.
“I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny,” Dyer-Bowen explained in a statement. “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.”
Dyer-Bowen, partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, shared a tearful video on Instagram announcing her departure. “I’m so heartbroken,like I’ve not felt like this in such a long time,” she said,adding she would take “a few days off my socials” to process the news but intends to return to support the remaining contestants.
Head judge Shirley Ballas responded to the proclamation on the show’s Instagram account, writing, “I’m so so sorry. But health is most significant. Get well soon Angel.” Dyer-Bowen’s father, actor Danny Dyer, posted a broken heart emoji.
Dyer-Bowen is the second celebrity to leave the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing due to medical reasons. Kristian Nairn, known for his role in Game of Thrones and as a DJ, previously withdrew last month and was replaced by Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope.
