Nikita Kuzmin is a Ukrainian-born, Italian-raised Latin and Ballroom dancer and professional on BBC Strictly Come Dancing since 2021. A six-time Italian National Champion and former Let’s Dance Germany pro, Nikita is known for his technical skill, show-stopping choreography and charismatic stage presence.
He has danced with stars including Tilly Ramsay, Ellie Simmonds, Layton Williams, and Sam Quek on Strictly, reaching the 2023 Grand Final with Layton.
Away from Strictly, Nikita appeared on Celebrity Big Brother 2024, finishing runner-up.
Learn all about Nikita’s amazing dancing career, dance partners, relationships, awards, photos, facts, age, height, and read her latest news, announcements and tours below Table of Contents
Quick Facts about Nikita Kuzmin
| Attribute | Details |
| Age | 27 (born 23 December 1997) |
| Height | 1.80m (5ft 11in) |
| From | Kyiv, Ukraine (moved to Italy at age 9) |
| Strictly Debut | 2021 (Series 19) |
| Relationship | Dating model Lauren Jaine |
| Fun Fact | Nikita is the older brother of professional dancer Anastasia Kuzmina |
Who was Nikita’s Celebrity Partner in 2025?
In 2025, Nikita is partnered with TV personality Dani Dyer (age 28), daughter of actor Danny Dyer. Dani rose to fame as the winner of Love Island.
Sadly, due to suffering an ankle fracture during initial training, Dani had to withdraw from the competition before the first live show.
Who was Nikita’s Strictly partner in 2024?
In 2024, Nikita partnered Olympic hockey gold medallist and TV presenter Sam Quek. Despite strong chemistry and athletic performances, the couple were eliminated in Week 7.
5* Weekend Breaks with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing
Who better to teach you to dance than the Strictly Professionals? You can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform a spectacular dance showcase up close & personal.
📆 Friday 6th – Sunday 8th March 2026
📍 4* Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
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📆 Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026
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⌛ Early Bird £709pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Nikita Kuzmin Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nikita from from?
Nikita was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, before moving to Italy aged 9 to support his sister Anastasia Kuzmina’s dancing career.
Is Nikita Kuzmin in a relationship?
Yes, Nikita confirmed in October 2023 that he is dating model Lauren Jaine.
He previously dated professional dancer Nicole Wirt, his long-term competition partner, before their split in 2022.
When did Nikita join Strictly?
Nikita Kuzmin joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 (Series 19).
On joining the show, Nikita said:
“I’ve always been amazed by the magic Strictly Come Dancing brings. No matter what country I have found myself living in, I’ve never missed a chance to watch it. And joining it as a professional dancer is my big chance to make some magic on the most famous dance floor. I can’t wait to give it my all!”
Since then, he’s become a fan favourite for his creative choreography, infectious enthusiasm, and close bonds with his celebrity partners.
Who has Nikita partnered with on Strictly?
| Series (Year) | Celebrity Partner | Finish |
| Series 19 (2021) | Tilly Ramsay (Chef & TikTok star) | Quarter-Finalist |
| Series 20 (2022) | Ellie Simmonds (Paralympic swimmer) | Week 7 elimination |
| Series 21 (2023) | Layton Williams (Actor) | Runner-up – Grand Finalist |
| Series 22 (2024) | Sam Quek (Olympic hockey player) | Week 7 elimination |
Has Nikita ever won Strictly?
Not yet, although in 2023 he made the grand final with Layton .
What are Nikita’s greatest dance achievements?
- 6x Italian National Latin & Ballroom Champion
- Former pro on Let’s Dance Germany
- Joined BBC Strictly in 2021
- Strictly 2023 runner-up with Layton Williams
- Celebrity Big Brother 2024 finalist (2nd place)
What’s Nikita’s favourite dance?
We’ll let you know next time we speak with him!
Who is Nikita’s professional dance partner?
The fabulous Jowita Prystal is partnering Nikita at Donaheys 2025 Weekend Breaks.
Has Nikita ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Yes, during a 2022 Paso Doble with Ellie Simmonds, Nikita ripped his trousers mid-performance and had to have them stitched multiple times!
Find out more about Nikita’s dancing profile on his official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Donahey’s Dance Lessons & UK Weekend Breaks are not associated with BBC Studios
Nikita Kuzmin Tour Dates & Venues
Find out all about Nikita Kuzmin’s 2025 Midnight Dancer Tour
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Oti Mabuse
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood
