Television personality and former Love Island winner Dani Dyer delivered a standout performance during Strictly Come Dancing‘s Icons Week on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Performing a rumba to Mariah Carey’s classic ballad “Hero” alongside professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, Dyer earned an impressive 25 points from the judging panel as the BBC competition celebrated iconic figures from music and pop culture.
Strong Praise from the Judging Panel
Dyer’s routine drew positive remarks across the board. Head judge Shirley Ballas led the commendations, praising the television star’s execution, footwork consistency, and ability to manage challenging choreography.
“Your timing was very good. You had quite difficult choreography,” Ballas noted during the live broadcast. “You kept your feet moving all the time, which was amazing. You handled that beautifully.”
Fellow judge Anton Du Beke echoed the sentiment, stating, “I enjoyed that performance a lot. There’s so much good stuff going on and I’m really enjoying it.” Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood pointed out the visible chemistry between the partners, adding, “I think you have a really fantastic connection with Nikita and that really shone through, and you told the story so beautifully.”
Among those watching proudly from the live studio audience was Dyer’s father, well-known actor Danny Dyer, who enthusiastically applauded his daughter following the judges’ favorable critiques.
Overcoming an Emotional “Wobble”
Despite the successful score and encouraging feedback, Dyer admitted that the week had pushed her out of her comfort zone. Speaking candidly to presenter Johannes Radebe moments before receiving her scores, the reality star fought back tears as she reflected on her journey.
“It’s been a bit of a difficult week. I think this has been my hardest one. I had a little bit of a wobble on Wednesday, just because I doubt myself all of the time. I was like, ‘I can’t do it, I feel really silly,'” Dyer shared on air.
She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her partner, describing Nikita Kuzmin as her “biggest cheerleader” through the grueling training schedule. Radebe offered words of encouragement, reminding her that her current dancing level far exceeded her capabilities from just a couple of weeks prior.
Icons Week Highlights and Context
Strictly’s Icons Week kicked off with the professional judges embracing famous music personas. Motsi Mabuse appeared as Beyoncé, Shirley Ballas channeled Lady Gaga in an elaborate blonde wig, and Craig Revel Horwood alongside Anton Du Beke donned Britpop-style khaki parkas and bowl cuts to resemble Oasis.
The night also featured notable routines from other contestants, including John Nellis and Katya Jones, who topped the leaderboard with 29 points following a paso doble to Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life.” Meanwhile, Australian singer Delta Goodrem sat out the episode due to an injury, receiving an automatic bye through to the following week’s competition alongside partner Kai Widdrington.
As Strictly Come Dancing continues its run on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Dani Dyer’s emotional resilience and technical growth have positioned her as a strong competitor to watch in the weeks ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dani Dyer
Who is Dani Dyer?
Dani Dyer is an English television personality and actress. She rose to widespread fame after winning the fourth series of ITV2’s reality dating show Love Island in 2018 alongside Jack Fincham. She is also the daughter of prominent British actor Danny Dyer.
Who is Dani Dyer’s partner on Strictly Come Dancing?
Dani Dyer is partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin on the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
What song did Dani Dyer dance to during Icons Week?
During Icons Week, Dani Dyer performed a rumba routine set to Mariah Carey’s iconic hit song “Hero.”
What score did Dani Dyer receive for her rumba?
Dani Dyer was awarded a total of 25 points by the judging panel for her Week 4 rumba performance.
Did Dani Dyer experience any difficulties during Strictly rehearsals?
Yes, Dyer revealed on air that she experienced a tearful “wobble” and a difficult week of self-doubt during rehearsals, but ultimately delivered a praised performance with the support of her partner Nikita Kuzmin.
