Danny Dyer takes private dance lessons with Strictly pro Nikita Kuzmin

Danny Dyer has been taking secret dance lessons from Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin, according to the Mirror ^[1]. The actor, known for his tough-guy roles, has been spotted enjoying 'boogie' sessions with the Ukrainian dancer, even sweeping Nikita off his feet during a recent rehearsal.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Nikita confirmed the extra tutoring, praising Danny for having a 'good frame' and driving through the steps with impressive rhythm. This revelation comes as daughter Dani Dyer prepares for a potentially risky new move in this weekend's live show, as reported by the Daily Star ^[2].

Dani, who is currently competing with Nikita, revealed that her father has been a constant presence in the audience, cheering her on after her return from a knee injury. 'He loved it, he was super proud,' Dani said, noting that Danny also received praise from Nikita for his dancing abilities. The pair's chemistry is set to be tested this weekend, as Nikita admitted he cannot yet confirm if their planned trick, described as 'half a lift, half a trick', will work in rehearsal.

The Dyer family's connection to dance extends beyond the studio. The Mirror noted that Danny's role as Freddie Jones in Rivals, returning to Disney+ on November 11, features a scene where his character dances to Jermaine Stewart. This fictional boogie seems to have translated well to real life, with Nikita complimenting Danny's 'good delivery'.

Meanwhile, Strictly's live tour plans are already underway. The Independent reported that Dani Dyer and skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker are the first stars confirmed for the 2027 tour, which kicks off in Birmingham in January ^[3]. Dani expressed excitement about joining the tour, calling her return to the dancefloor with Nikita an 'incredible experience'.

As the 2026 series progresses towards the Blackpool special on November 21, the Dyers' blend of family support and professional ambition continues to captivate audiences. Whether Danny's off-screen moves translate to on-screen charm remains to be seen, but his daughter's journey on the dancefloor is firmly under the spotlight.