Overview

• Doctors confirmed a fractured ankle after an MRI, leading Dyer to withdraw before the first live show despite appearing in the pre-recorded launch with partner Nikita Kuzmin.
• Dyer said she is heartbroken, plans a short break from social media, and intends to support the remaining couples from the sidelines.
• Head judge Shirley Ballas said bosses are scrambling over whether to replace Dyer and floated the possibility of no first-week elimination, though no decision has been announced.
• BBC Studios executive producer Sarah James called the exit incredibly sad and said they hope to welcome Dyer back in a future series.
• Kuzmin, fellow pros and judges, Vicky Pattison, and Dyer’s father Danny shared public messages of support, and the BBC has not confirmed any replacement.