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, and read his latest news, announcements and tours below Table of Contents
Who is Nikita Kuzmin’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2026?
Nikita Kuzmin is reunited with broadcaster and podcaster Dani Dyer for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The 2018 Love Island winner was originally paired with Nikita in 2025 but had to withdraw before the live shows after fracturing her ankle. Now fully recovered, Dani finally gets her long-awaited chance to take to the ballroom with Nikita. Their existing friendship, Dani’s determination and Nikita’s inventive choreography could make this sparkling second chance one of the season’s most uplifting partnerships.
Nikita and Dani swapped fairytale charm for Tango drama in week 3. Their compact hold and confident promenades showed Dani’s growing confidence, with Shirley noticing improvements in her pivots and frame. Anton wanted a stronger stride and tidier head position, but there was plenty to enjoy. A fabulous 27 points, four more than last week, as the couple head into Icons Week!
On joining Strictly, Dani said:
“I seriously couldn’t be more excited to join. I cried when I got the call, I didn’t want to assume after everything that happened last year that I would get another chance. I can’t wait to finally get the opportunity to properly experience the Strictly journey.”
Quick Facts about Nikita Kuzmin
| Series (Year) | Celebrity Partner | Finish |
| Series 19 (2021) | Tilly Ramsay (chef and television personality) | Eliminated Week 10 |
| Series 20 (2022) | Ellie Simmonds (Paralympic swimmer) | Eliminated Week 7 |
| Series 21 (2023) | Layton Williams (actor and performer) | Runner-up – Grand Final |
| Series 22 (2024) | Sam Quek (Olympic hockey player and presenter) | Eliminated Week 7 |
| Series 23 (2025) | Dani Dyer; Amber Davies replaced Dani before the live shows | Runner-up with Amber – Grand Final |
| Series 24 (2026) | Dani Dyer (broadcaster and podcaster) | Current partnership |
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.
- When
- Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March 2027
- Where
- 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate, Old Windsor
✨ Star Studded Line-Up ✨
- ✨ Anton Du Beke
- ✨ Katya Jones
- ✨ Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr
- ✨ Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara
See the full star-studded line-up
- ✨ British Showdance Champions David Cockram & Rosie Ward
- ✨ Team Warren & Kristi Boyce
- ✨ Argentine Tango Stars
- ✨ Tony Greenwood 15-Piece Big Band
Nikita Kuzmin Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nikita 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) | Eliminated Week 10 |
| 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 |
| Series 23 (2025) | Amber Davies | Runner-up with Amber – Grand Final |
| Series 24 (2026) | Dani Dyer (broadcaster and podcaster) | Current partnership |
Who was Nikita’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2025?
Nikita was originally partnered with Dani Dyer in 2025, but Dani fractured her ankle during rehearsals and withdrew before the first live show. West End performer Amber Davies stepped in, quickly formed an exciting partnership with Nikita and danced all the way to the grand final as a runner-up.
Who was Nikita’s Strictly Partner in 2024?
In 2024, Nikita partnered Olympic hockey gold medallist and television presenter Sam Quek. Their athletic, energetic partnership reached week seven before they left the competition.
Nikita’s 2025 Strictly journey.
In week 1 Amber and Nikita Waltzed effortlessly into the studio to Adele’s When We Were Young . The judges were impressed, Craig said she was “naturally blessed with the neck of a flamingo, elegantly long lines and exquisite arms.” Imagine if she had trained for the whole week. One to watch maybe? A score of 28 and second on the leader board a great start.
Amber and Nikita were the Angels of Our Dreams as they performed an intense Argentine Tango in week 4. Craig said “Loosen the legs….but you’re incredible”. Motsi called it “so intense I couldn’t look away”. Amazing feedback from the judges and third on the leaderboard.
Nikita and Amber found themselves in the dance off in week 5. Luckily they Break Free from elimination as the judges decision to save them was unanimous. Their Cha Cha Cha was dynamic but Shirley wanted more fluidity. Craig felt it was a little balletic but a great dance. The couple were saved and made it through to Halloween week!
Nikita and Amber dazzled with Disco vibes as they Salsa-ed into week 7. Amber clocked up her highest score – the judges loved it! Craig said it was A-may-zing, Motsi called it “absolutely spectacular”, while Anton made some very happy noises.
Nikita and Amber topped the leaderboard in week 8 with their dramatic Paso Doble. More 10s from the judges – Anton said it was “thrilling to watch, very exciting” and Craig concluded it was “clean, full of tone, fire and purpose, brilliant”. Off to Blackpool they go.
Nikita and Amber Reached for the Stars with their Quickstep at Blackpool. A few minor critiques but overall the judges loved the performance. Craig called Amber an “exceptional performer” and Anton said it was gorgeous.
Nikita and Amber Jived into week 10 to Proud Mary. Proud indeed – Shirley was speechless and called it “outstanding and sensational”. Craig said “now for the truth darling – fab-u-lous!” A perfect score for the couple and a ticket to musicals week.
Amber and Nikita do anything but Sit Down in their cheeky Charleston. They Rocked The Boat in musicals week with a perfect score. Craig said it was “an absolute sen-sa-tion” Motsi said “one word – perfection” and Anton wanted to give them a 25! Sorry Anton, 10 will have to do. A well deserved spot in the semi final for the couple.
Nikita and Amber split the judges with their Tango in the semi final. With Craig commenting that Shirley and Anton were “unnecessarily harsh” it just goes to show anything can happen! The couple Flew us to The Moon with their couple’s choice notching up a perfect 40. Motsi said it was “up there with the best Strictly dances”. Craig commented “Hollywood all the way, glam, gorge, you’re a-may-zing”. Even a perfect score didn’t save them from the dance off, but they live to dance another week in this years Strictly Final!
Has Nikita ever won Strictly?
Not yet, although in 2025 he made the grand final with Amber Davies, and made the 2023 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 runner-up with Layton Williams in 2023 and Amber Davies in 2025
- 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 Przystał partnered 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.
Nikita & Dani’s Strictly 2026 Journey
Week 1: Reunited on the dance floor, their Samba to Lush Life scored 22 points. Craig praised Dani’s hip rolls and isolation, with footwork the next thing to polish.
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
Donaheys Dance Lessons & UK Weekend Breaks are not associated with BBC Studios
Nikita Kuzmin Tour Dates & Venues
Nikita starred in the 2026 Supernova Tour, a show by Jason Gilkison guest starring Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Janette Manrara.
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
– 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
– Aleksandra Isaeva
– Cristian Priori
– Lethabo Monametsi
– Maddie Ingoldsby
– Mark Karmalita
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters
Learn more about Strictly presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
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
