Nikita Kuzmin has broken his silence for the first time about how "gutted" he feels for BBC Strictly partner Dani Dyer, who had to withdraw from the series before the first live show.
The Love Island star, 29, shared on Tuesday that she'd no longer be able to partake in the popular competition series after hurting her ankle during training.
Fan favourite Mr Kuzmin, 27, has now shared his own statement on social media, admitting his heart "breaks" for Ms Dyer.
The post comes as fans of the show continue to question whether the Ukrainian dancer will be able to remain on the show with a new, last-minute celebrity partner, which has happened in past shows.
Dani Dyer had to quit her Strictly journey before it began thanks to an injury
|Along with a carousel of images of himself with Ms Dyer, the dancer penned in an emotional reflection: "So, so gutted to have finished our journey before it even properly started.
"The amount of laughs and fun we had in this short time was unbelievable!
"Really loved our partnership and hope that one day we can actually get to week 1 lol but, heath is the most important thing.
"I'm wishing you the absolute best @danidyerxx you're so lovely, positive and a wonderful human being!!"
Mr Kuzmin continued: "And it breaks my heart knowing how excited you were to do your absolute best on the show!
"Hopefully we can pick up next year. Love from #danita or #dakita or #Nani (WE ACTUALLY HAVENT DECIDED ON THE TEAM NAME IN TIME)."
Ms Dyer quickly responded in the comments with an equally emotional response in which she admitted: "I'm crying again."
She added: "Thank you for being the best teacher ever... You are the kindest most amazing person.
"Going to miss our laughs & dancing with you.. let's try again one day and sort our team name." (sic)
Mr Kuzmin's response comes a day after the reality star issued her own response to break the news of her exit on Tuesday.
She stated in the announcement: "I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.
"Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l’ve had to pull out of the show.
"To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on."
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin have both admitted they're 'heartbroken' to have to end their Strictly journey
|Many Strictly fans have since taken to social media to question My Kuzmin's role on the show and whether he could remain in the series.
One asked: "Who will be her replacement?" while another shared: "Oh nooooo. Hope Nikita gets a new celebrity partner."
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin were paired up during the Strictly launch | BBC"How can I get through an entire #StrictlyComeDancing series without Nikita partner-less? Please bring someone new in for him @bbcstrictly," another pleaded on X. (sic)