Dani’s former show partner Nikita has also dropped a telling clue.
The 37-year-old Geordie Shore star formed a close bond with 29-year-old Love Island winner Dani Dyer during their initial training for this year’s Strictly series, often exchanging supportive messages online.
After being paired with BBC pro Nikita Kuzmin, 27, and impressing in the launch show, Dani unfortunately suffered an ankle injury that forced her to withdraw before the first live show.
The mum of three admitted she was devastated by the fracture, saying she had “written the year off” and felt “done” after her winter plans were upended.
Despite the setback, Dani has returned to training at the gym and attended Saturday’s Icons Week to cheer on the 2025 cast. She particularly supported her show best friend, Vicky Pattison, who impressed with a Couple’s Choice routine dedicated to popstar Cheryl.
Dani shared a series of Instagram photos posing with Vicky Pattison and her professional partner Kai Widdrington, captioning them: “So happy I got to watch @bbcstrictly last night… missed you all and so proud. And my beautiful @vickypattison just love you so much — watching you live was PERFECT!! Love you all loads.”
Vicky quickly commented, “Love you so much mate my girl!!! I will be front row every week next year watching you SMASH IT.” She also reposted the photo to her Stories, adding, “Can’t wait to come and watch you next year,” hinting that Dani’s return is all but confirmed.
Vicky and Kai earned 33 points for their routine, putting them joint second on the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Dani’s spot this year was filled by fellow Love Island star Amber Davies.
NIKITA’S CLUE
Earlier, Dani’s former Strictly partner Nikita Kuzmin hinted at a possible return next year, sending fans into a frenzy.
The professional dancer admitted her early exit “broke his heart” and shared a heartfelt post from their brief rehearsals: “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 health 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!”
He 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 return, however, has not been officially confirmed by her or the BBC.
SHOW SHOCKS
During Saturday’s Strictly episode, head judge Shirley Ballas faced criticism from fans after clapping back at their “booing.”
The judging panel also came under fire for allegedly giving George and Alexis particularly harsh feedback on their Jive to Harry Styles’ hit “As It Was.”
Meanwhile, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman became emotional while opening the first show since announcing they would step down at the end of the series. The pair made television history as primetime’s first female presenting duo when they began co-hosting in 2014, having both been involved with Strictly since 2004—Tess on the main show with Bruce Forsyth, and Claudia on the spin-off It Takes Two.
Cheeky contestant La Voix playfully threw her hat in the ring for the hosting role, leaving Claudia in stitches. Shirley’s comments came just before the Strictly spoilers revealed the Icons Week results and which celebrity was eliminated.
