Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin has paid tribute to Dani Dyer, following his first dance with new partner, Amber Davies.
"Honestly, what an overwhelming week!" he began. "For the first time, I was blanking during my choreography. It's just been everything so quick. I just want to mention Dani, because Dani... Dani is such a sweet girl, and it was a really, really sad moment. Dani, if you're watching, I hope we can get to finish our quickstep one day. I love you lots."
Earlier this week, Dyer confirmed that she had been forced to leave the competition after sustaining an ankle fracture in rehearsals. As a result, fellow Love Island winner Amber Davies was announced as her replacement by the BBC.
"This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life," Davies said in a statement on Friday. "I've watched Strictly with my family since I was younger, and to now be part of the show is a dream come true. I'm going to give it my all, and I am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud."
During Saturday's show, Kuzmin added that Davies had been "so brave" for stepping in at the last minute, telling the TV star: "Amber, I have so much respect for you. This is madness, you are so brave.
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"And frankly, I was unemployed for two days, and I cleaned my house seven times, and I applied for a Tesco club card, so thank you, you saved me from all of that. You are incredible".
At the start of the episode, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman explained the situation. "Before we get started, earlier this week, Dani Dyer had to withdraw from the competition on medical advice after sustaining an injury in training," said Daly.
Chiming in, Winkleman declared: "Dani, we will miss you so much, and all of us are sending you all our love."
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Following a whirlwind week, Kuzmin and Davies got off to a strong start, scoring a respectable score of 27 for their Waltz to Adele's 'When We Were Young'.
Taking to Instagram after the show, Davies wrote: "What just happened !!!! 48 hours ago I had never met @nikita__kuzmin and we just danced a waltz on @bbcstrictly?!?!?! I feel every emotion under the sun right now, but mostly so unbelievably GRATEFUL to have experienced that special moment tonight!"
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.
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