Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin has been left heartbroken following the death of his beloved grandfather. The Ukrainian-born dancer took to Instagram to share the tragic news, posting a series of photographs of himself alongside his grandfather and paying an emotional tribute to the man he affectionately called the "quickest grandad in town."
In his heartfelt post, Nikita wrote: "Looking at these pictures my heart is beating so fast and I'm not sure what to write or how to even begin expressing how much I love you. Just memories of when I thought you're the fastest walker in the world and how when I was a teenager, I was proud of speeding past you, but you still were the quickest grandad in town. But specially how much you always took care of us, no matter what, always there." He concluded with the words "I love you," originally written in Russian.
The post, which has received over 7,000 likes, was quickly flooded with messages of condolence. Former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite commented: "Love this tribute Nikita. Sad for you darling but you are so loved." Tasha Ghouri responded with two red heart emojis, while Strictly's Nancy Xu also shared two heart emojis. One fan wrote: "I'm so sorry, thinking of you and all the family. Seems like a very special man who was and is without a doubt so very proud of you. Sending you so so much love." Another added: "So so sorry Niki, sending you lots of love. He was so proud of you. Grandpas are what makes us, never forget that." A third fan said: "Oh Nikita, I am so sorry. Thinking of you and all your family at this very sad time. Sending so much love." A fourth penned: "I am so sorry. My grandad was very similar, I used to always go walking with him. Lots of love to you and your family." A fifth commented: "So sorry for your loss Nikita."
The heartbreaking news comes shortly after Nikita confirmed he will return to Strictly for the 2026 series. Last week, the BBC announced the judges and professional dancers for the upcoming season. Returning professionals include Alexis Warr, Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Johannes Radebe, Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Vito Coppola, and Carlos Gu, who won the 2025 glitterball trophy with former England footballer Karen Carney. The BBC also revealed that new professional dancers will be recruited and unveiled closer to the autumn premiere, replacing Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Luba Mushtuk, who have all left the show in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, it is expected that the show will announce its two new presenters in the coming days. Fan favourite Johannes Radebe is reportedly being considered to co-host alongside television star Emma Willis. A source told The Sun that Willis "nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her," adding that Johannes "did incredibly well" during the chemistry tests and is seen as the perfect partner for Emma.
