Overview

• The BBC confirmed that Amber Davies will partner Nikita Kuzmin and perform a waltz in Saturday’s first live show after beginning rehearsals on short notice.
• Dani Dyer withdrew earlier this week after suffering a fractured ankle in a rehearsal fall, with the show sending well wishes and indicating she could return in a future series.
• Kuzmin, who had been training with Dyer, shared his disappointment over the withdrawal and is now preparing his week-one routine with Davies.
• Bookmakers rapidly revised markets following the announcement, installing Davies as an early contender at around 5/1.
• Davies, a 2017 Love Island winner and experienced West End performer who competed on Dancing on Ice last year, called the past 24 hours the craziest of her life and thanked fans for their support.