They have hilariously spotted the dancer’s ‘hidden motive’ on the BBC One show this year as he competes with Amber.
Strictly Come Dancing viewers have noticed what they jokingly call Nikita Kuzmin’s “hidden motive” following his latest performance with Amber Davies.
The professional dancer, who joined Strictly in [year], has had a whirlwind start to this year’s competition. Nikita was originally paired with former Love Island winner Dani Dyer for the 2025 series, as revealed during the launch show.
However, Dani fractured her ankle during training for week one and had to withdraw just days before the first live show. Amber Davies was brought in with only 24 hours’ notice to perform a Waltz to Adele’s When We Were Young alongside Nikita.
A week later, Amber, celebrating her 29th birthday, performed a Samba to Bam Bam by Ed Sheeran and Camila Cabello with Nikita, earning an ironic score of 29. Judge Craig Revel Horwood said he “loved, loved, loved” the performance, while Motsi Mabuse praised her rhythm, calling it “the most amazing body rhythm I have seen in a while.”
The combined scores from the first live show and week two gave Amber and Nikita a total of 56 points, before the public vote is added for the upcoming results show on Sunday, October 5.
Some Strictly fans weren’t convinced Amber and Nikita’s Samba deserved the praise it received from head judge Shirley Ballas.
@TVMusings22 tweeted: “No shade to Amber or owt but until you do a samba (scored a 40) like this, it’s not one of the best Shirley, hun. #Strictly.” Meanwhile, @AndCapernosity wrote: “Alex’s samba was good but not deserving of the hyperbole it received from the judges. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Others, however, disagreed. @Grumparooz said: “Amber & Nikita’s Samba was simply stunning, I’m going to put this out there and say they are going to be in the final for sure.” @RyanSoapKing25 added: “My first 9 of the series for Amber and Nikita and it was well deserved. That was one powerful Samba #Strictly.”
Some Strictly fans were amused as Nikita Kuzmin casually mentioned Tesco during his chat with host Claudia Winkleman, sparking jokes about a possible brand deal.
@lucymaygoodwin quipped: “Nikita trying his best to get a Tesco brand deal is the highlight of my night #Strictly.” @Boomchrisy added: “I think Nikita has a deal going with Tesco. #Strictly,” while @nvdjas joked: “The concept of Nikita having a secret brand deal with Tesco where he just has to subtly mention it each week #Strictly.”
Others piled on, with @meganpsitn saying: “If Nikita isn’t in Tesco’s festive ads, then something’s gone wrong #Strictly.” @rafastefbaes wrote: “Waiting for Nikita to get that Tesco sponsorship, I mean he really deserves it atp #Strictly,” and @nocontextSCD_ asked: “Is Nikita sponsored by Tesco or smth #Strictly.”