**Strictly Judge Shirley Ballas Reveals Details of Phone Call with Dani Dyer Following Show Exit**
Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has opened up about her conversation with Dani Dyer after the TV personality was forced to quit the show due to a devastating injury. The 65-year-old dancer and judge appeared on *This Morning* alongside hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Wednesday to discuss Dani’s shock departure and how producers are working to find her replacement.
Speaking gravely about Dani, Shirley said, “I know her work ethic and when she got onto Strictly I thought, ‘They don’t know what’s hit them!'” Singing praises for the young star, Shirley continued, “This young lady is all sparkle, and of course, yesterday, she fell on her ankle, or twisted it, she has a hairline fracture, so she’s out.”
Shirley revealed she had spoken to Dani the day after her injury. “I spoke to her yesterday, she’s mortified, she’s devastated but, as I said to her, she could come back next year. You know, like Jamie Laing did, and he made the final.”
With Dani’s departure, Strictly bosses are now scrambling to find a replacement. Shirley shared insights on the situation behind the scenes: “I did speak to the executive producer [about a replacement] to try to get an answer for you and they’re hustling and bustling to see what they can do. We’re a dancer down. So, either, someone won’t go home the first week or something like that. But let’s hope that someone else will get the opportunity.”
The news broke on Tuesday when the *Daily Mail* reported that Dani, 29, one of the show’s favourites, had suffered a fractured ankle during a rehearsal last Friday, forcing her to bow out of the competition.
Dani confirmed the injury in a heartfelt statement, saying:
“I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. 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 added with a touch of humour, “Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so I’ve had to pull out of the show.”
Dani expressed her heartbreak over the situation: “To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”
The accident occurred before Dani even had the chance to perform a routine on the show.
Sarah James, Executive Producer for BBC Studios, also commented on the news:
“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 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.”
Many of Dani’s Strictly co-stars, celebrities, and professional dancers expressed their sympathies following her early exit. Among them was head judge Shirley Ballas, who wrote on social media:
“I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel.”
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Dani Dyer’s departure is a huge loss for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, but fans and the show’s cast alike are hopeful for her swift recovery and eventual return.
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