Strictly Come Dancing Finalist 2023
Who is Nikita Kuzmin – Strictly Professional Dancer
From Ukraine to Italy to Elstree, Nikita Kuzmin’s geared up for his 4th year on Strictly
Nikita is a Six-time’s Italian Latin and Ballroom National Champion and former ‘Let’s Dance’ Germany pro.
Nikita Kuzmin latest news – In the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Nikita is partnered with Olympic hockey player Sam Quek
Sam was disappointed with her performance as her and partner Nikita Quickstepped into week 4. Shirley concludes it was “one of those nights but it happens to the best” The rest is still Unwritten, we know Sam will come back stronger! She’s a talented dancer with lots more to give.
On joining Strictly Sam said, ‘As a former hockey player I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting!’ she says. ‘I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.’
In 2024 Nikita achieved second place in ITV Celebrity Big Brother
In 2023 Nikita partnered film and theatre actor Layton Williams all the way to the Grand Final
Learn all about Nikita Kuzmin’s amazing dancing career, dance partners, relationships, awards, photos, facts, age, height, and read her latest news, announcements and tours below
5* Weekend Breaks starring Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin
Who better to teach you to dance than Strictly Professional Nikita Kuzmin? You can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform a spectacular dance showcase up close & personal.
Fri 20th – Sun 22nd June 2025
5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel
Newport, South Wales
⭐ Join Strictly Stars Amy Dowden MBE, Giovanni Pernice, Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystal, Nikita Kuzmin, Katya Jones, British, European & World 10 Dance Champions Glenn & Caroly Boyce, Former World Professional Ballroom Champions Warren & Kristi Boyce, British Dance Champion Finalists David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Strictly’s Argentine Tango Stars Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani, and The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Big Band ⭐
Nikita Kuzmin Facts – Height, Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
How old is Nikita Kuzmin?
26 years old. Born December 23, 1997
How tall is Nikita?
Nikita stands at 1.8m tall
Where is Nikita Kuzmin from?
Nikita was born in the Ukraine, before leaving there when he was 9 years old when his family moved to Italy to support his sister Anastasia Kuzimina’s dancing career. It seems that dancing is in the genes!
Who is Nikita’s celebrity partner in 2024?
Former England and Team GB hockey player Sam Quek
Age: 35
Olympic hockey player Sam Quek is partnering with the charming Nikita Kuzmin. Sam’s athletic background and competitive spirit should make this pair a strong contender. Nikita’s smooth style and charismatic performances will likely complement Sam’s determination to excel in the ballroom.
After winning gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sam is hoping to lift the Glitterball Trophy. The sports presenter, who has appeared on A Question Of Sport and BBC Morning Live, is the 15th celebrity contestant in this year’s line-up. Her previous reality TV appearances include I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and Celebrity MasterChef.
On joining Strictly Sam said, ‘As a former hockey player I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting!’ she says. ‘I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.’
Fun fact: Sam has a competitive streak—she’s previously been on I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity MasterChef, so she’s ready to bring her A-game!
In week 1 Sam & Nikita will dance a Foxtrot, to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes
A cheeky Charleston from Nikita and Sam in week 2, a delightful hockey theme made Sam feel right at home. A great performance, but technique needs work, it is only week 2, plenty of time to improve.
Is Nikita in a relationship?
In October 2023 Nikita confirmed he is in a relationship with model girlfriend Lauren Jaine.
Previously Nikita was dating his dance partner Nicole Wirt, who is based in Frankfurt, Germany. The couple danced together for a number of years as a partnership, competing around Europe. In October 2022 the couple split after five years of dating, with reports claiming Nikita wanted to “totally focus” on the current series of Strictly.
What are Nikita’s greatest dance achievements?
Six-time’s Italian Latin and Ballroom National Champion and former ‘Let’s Dance’ Germany pro.
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.
When did Nikita join Strictly?
Nikita joined the Strictly family in 2021.
On joining Strictly, Nikita Kuzmin 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!”
Who has Nikita danced with on Strictly?
Nikita’s dance partners on Strictly include; Film and theatre actor Layton Williams, Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds, Budding chef & Tik Tok star Tilly Ramsay
In 2023 Nikita partnered film and theatre actor Layton Williams all the way to the Grand Final
Wow! Scoring the first 39 in week 5 for 13 years, these guys are setting the standard high! A spectacular Salsa to Quimbara – Craig said it was “A-may-zing!” and Shirley gave it an A-star!
Nikita and Layton wowed the judges with their Argentine Tango to Tattoo in week 8. Just one mark off a perfect score (come on Craig) saw them topping the leader board. With judges comments “breathtaking” “extraordinary” and “beyond perfection” – What a performance!
Our first perfect score of 40 was awarded to Layton and Nikita in musicals week. Following the previous weeks dance off they returned with a powerful Paso Doble to Moulin Rouge Backstage Romance. Taking Craig straight back to his time dancing with the Moulin Rouge.
Nikita and Layton wowed the judges once again with their semi-final performances. First up a slow, sultry Rumba to Lift Me Up. Filled with emotion and the highest scoring Rumba this season. Earning another perfect score for their Charleston, Craig started with a standing ovation and said “the best Charleston I’ve seen in 20 years, darling” and Shirley described them as “dance royalty”. A well deserved place in the final for these two!
Layton and Nikita wowed us with their amazing moves and resilience throughout the whole series, they are an incredible team and didn’t fail to impress in the final. Starting out with their Quickstep from week 2. The improvements were phenomenal and earned them another perfect score! We all wish we had a friend like Nikita if he can teach those moves. Their Show Dance was spectacular, a true look into the real Layton. Finally, a reprise of their Argentine Tango. Motsi thanked Layton for a wonderful series saying “we’ve never had a dancer like you”. Another perfect score for the couple in a sensational final.
In 2022 Nikita partnered Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds. Nikita and Ellie were “Too Darn Hot” with their sassy Charleston in week 7. Although it was filled with lifts & tricks it wasn’t enough to keep them in the competition.
Has Nikita ever won Strictly?
Not yet, although in 2023 he made the grand final with Layton .
Has Nikita ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Yes, Nikita suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction in the 2022 series
The dancer performed a Paso Doble to The Apprentice theme song (Sergei Prokofiev’s ‘Montagues and Capulets’) alongside his celebrity partner Ellie Simmonds, but seemingly went missing from the studio for a short while afterwards.
Nikita revealed “Just ripped my pants because of the paso,So had to get them sewn for the 3rd time!”
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 the BBC.
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
– Amy Dowden
– Dianne Buswell
– Gorka Marquez
– Janette Manrara
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Luba Mushtuk
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Jowita Przystal
– Lauren Oakley
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
