Strictly Come Dancing’s Nikita Kuzmin(Image: ITV)
Nikita Kuzmin has been flooded with love and support as he shared a heartbreaking tribute on social media after the Strictly Come Dancing star suffered a family loss.
The professional dancer posted a number of photos on Instagram of himself and his grandfather as he spoke about his love for who he called the “quickest grandad in town”.
Nikita emotionally penned: “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 ended the post by writing what translated as: “I love you,” before his fans rushed to show their support.
Actres Tamzin Outhwaite said: “Love this tribute Nikita. Sad for you darling but you are so loved.” @andreastreeterbeauty replied: “I am so sorry, am sure he was so very proud of you. Sending lots of love.” @_jord.leigh_ commented: “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.”
@helenhutton2003 shared: “Sending you and your family lots of love Nikita.” @claire.dean.1806 wrote: “Sorry for your loss. Grandparents are the best.” @xcodi_spencer added: “I’m so sorry for your loss, rest in forever peace. Sending so much love.”
It comes after Nikita confirmed his return to Strictly for the 2026 series. Last week, the BBC confirmed the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke – and the professional dancers for the upcoming series.
Returning from 2025’s series are 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 last year’s series with former England footballer Karen Carney.
The BBC also confirmed new professionals would be recruited and announced closer to the dancing show’s return in autumn to replace Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, who have all left Strictly in recent weeks.
