Strictly update on Dani Dyer replacement as Waterloo Road star 'yet to hear from BBC'

Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly still undecided over whether to replace Dani Dyer on the BBC show, after the Love Island star was forced to pull out due to a fractured ankle.

Dani Dyer revealed that she had quit Strictly in an emotional statement last night after injuring herself in rehearsals. "I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny," she wrote. "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."

She later fought tears in a video on Instagram, in which she told fans that she was "so heartbroken" and would be having "a few days off my socials to process things". Since the news broke, rumours have been rife about her replacement - with Waterloo Road's Tillie Amartey reportedly stepping into Dani's dancing shoes.

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However, according to the Daily Mail, a decision is yet to be made on whether Dani will be replaced - with the BBC not in contact with Tillie.

"Tillie hasn't had any contact with Strictly Come Dancing," an insider told the publication. "Bosses still don't know if they are replacing Dani yet."

The Mirror has reached out to the BBC and representatives for Tillie Amartey for comment.

Earlier today, The Sun reported that Tillie - who took part in the 2023 Strictly Christmas special - was in talks to join the programme. "The feeling is that if she is filling the shoes vacated by Dani, the programme needs another young, glam woman to take her spot," a source said. "There is already an imbalance in the genders among the celebrities as there are nine men taking part and six women."

Tillie, who is also the niece of Spice Girls star Mel B, is best known for playing Stacey Neville in Waterloo Road as well as roles in BBC One's Better, Channel 5's The Teacher and CBBC's 4 O'Clock Club.

After Dani pulled out of the competition, BBC Studios Executive Producer, Sarah James, teased that Dani could return for a future series. "Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start," she said.

"Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she's no longer able to compete in this year's series. 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."

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