Strictly Come Dancing faced a major disruption last night when one of its prominent celebrities had to withdraw due to a serious injury incurred during practice sessions.

Former Love Island star Dani Dyer, aged 29, felt ‘heartbroken’ after having to leave the dance competition following an ankle fracture she sustained during preparations.

Her withdrawal adds yet more pressure to Strictly bosses – actor Kristian Nairn quit the series for medical reasons just last month.

The popular BBC program was also under scrutiny earlier this month after contestant Thomas Skinner exited abruptly from a press event, leading viewers to question his continued participation on the show.

Dani Dyer, whose parents are Rivals actor Danny Dyer and she is married to England footballer Jarrod Bowen, communicated a statement on Tuesday. It read: ‘I had an accident on Friday during rehearsals and landed incorrectly.

‘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. 

‘Evidently, performing the quickstep on a fracture isn’t recommended, and the doctors have instructed me not to dance, forcing me to withdraw from the competition.

‘To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement,’

It was revealed during Saturday’s launch show – which was recorded before her fall – that the reality star would be partnered with pro Nikita Kuzmin, 27.

She was set to dance a quickstep in the first of the live shows against her fellow celebrities this Saturday.

‘I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on,’ Ms Dyer added.

Just days ago, the mother-of-three said: ‘I’m absolutely petrified about dancing live.’

The second blow to bosses comes weeks after Mr Nairn’s exit.

The Game Of Thrones star, 49, said: ‘With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing. I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I’m deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor.

‘Thank you all for your support and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense.’

And his replacement, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, has been criticised by fans for his extensive dance experience. 

The actor has starred in the West End’s Billy Elliot and even made the final of Sky’s Got To Dance series in 2013 aged 18.

However, Mr Cope’s Strictly partner, Katya Jones, insists his background is actually a ‘hindrance’.

She told the Radio Times: ‘I think everyone’s aware that Lewis can move and I’m looking forward to turning him into a ballroom dancer. But unlearning habits is harder than blank-canvas learning.’

In reply to the criticism, Mr Cope also said: ‘I haven’t worn a pair of tap shoes in17 years.’

Meanwhile, The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner – who is paired with Strictly pro Amy Dowden – has also been hit by scandal after he last week admitted cheating on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding in 2022.

He claimed the affair was a ‘moment of madness’ that saw him almost ‘ruin his life’.

It was not clear last night whether the BBC plans to replace Ms Dyer ahead of this weekend’s first live shows.

Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, hailed the injured star. She wrote: ‘Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.

‘Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete… We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.’

In 2019’s competition, fellow reality star Jamie Laing was forced to pull out after injuring himself in the week before the first live show.

His last-minute replacement, Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, went on to lift the glitterball trophy with dance partner Oti Mabuse.