Will Celebrity Big Brother’s Nikita Kuzmin quit Strictly Come Dancing?

Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin has entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in the rebooted show's launch, leaving questions over his future in the ballroom.

Pro dancer Kuzmin has been part of the BBC contest's cast since 2021 and has become a favourite with viewers for his partnerships with Layton Williams, Ellie Simmonds and Tilly Ramsay. But with reality series Celebrity Big Brother known for its revealing conversations and cast rows, many fans have been questioning whether Kuzmin plans to return to Strictly in the autumn.

Despite the worries from fans, entertainment and TV expert from Press Box PR Lynn Carratt reassured viewers that its unlikely the star will quit Strictly. Instead, she pointed out that the professional dancer was likely to be trying to boost his popularity in the TV world.

She told Yahoo News: "It seems like Nikita has no plans to leave Strictly anytime soon, he reached the final this year and I’m sure he’ll be signing up for the show in 2024. His decision to participate in Celebrity Big Brother is likely an attempt to expand his public appeal and he’d likely gain new career opportunities of the back of it."

Fans worry Nikita Kuzmin could quit Strictly

It's certainly unusual for a serving Strictly Come Dancing cast member to take part in a reality TV show with any potential for controversy.

While Strictly fans might have been pleased to see popular Kuzmin enter the house in ITV's rebooted series, it does pose questions about whether he will be returning for the 2024 series of the dance contest.

Celebrity Big Brother is known for heated arguments erupting between its housemates and although there is no suggestion that Kuzmin would be at the centre of a row, being stuck in the house during the show leaves him at risk of getting drawn into awkward situations.

In his intro video on entering the house, Kuzmin admitted: "I can be fiery, explosive. I'm a very passionate person."

The BBC is not commenting on Kuzmin's future at Strictly and the show typically does not confirm its pro cast until the summer, but some worried fans have already been questioning whether CBB signals the end of his time in the series, especially as there had already been rumours of him leaving.

One fan commented on X: "I hope it means he isn't leaving Strictly I adore Nikita. Him and Layton last series were fab!"

Someone else added: "this cannot be nikita’s downfall no he’s not leaving strictly just yet please no i will die."

Another concerned fan wrote: "I hope Nikita will be returning to Strictly. Usually pros do CBB only after leaving Strictly."

Why is Nikita Kuzmin starring on Celebrity Big Brother?

PR expert Carratt reassured fans that they do not need to worry and she thinks Celebrity BIg Brother could be great for Kuzmin. She said: "Given his likeable personality and positive comments he’s received from his previous Strictly partners like Layton Williams and Tilly Ramsey, I think he will do very well in the Celebrity Big Brother house."

She further explained: "Nikita will be looking at other successful individuals like Oti Mabusi who is arguably one of the most successful former professionals, she has been a regular judge on the TV show Dancing on Ice and had her own morning breakfast show and hosted a prime time TV show.

"It seems likely that Nikita sees himself as a talented individual who could thrive in the world of television presenting and talent show judging.

"AJ Pritchard has had mixed success since leaving Strictly, he’s appeared on Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity SAS, but he’s yet to move away from the reality TV genre. It would be good if Nikita spills some of the behind the scenes secrets from Strictly, but he strikes me as a sensible soul and will be respectful to his current employer the BBC."

Which Strictly stars have been supporting Nikita Kuzmin?

Whatever Strictly bosses think of Kuzmin taking part in the reality show, he has the firm support of his BBC co-stars - including the judges.

Head judge Shirley Ballas commented on Instagram: "We all love you," while Motsi Mabuse added: "Good luck lol just be yourself."

Fellow pro dancer Dianne Buswell wrote: "Go go go nikita," Carlos Gu warned: "Don’t be too naughty & love you xx." Neil Jones wrote: "Nikita they will love him." Katya Jones agreed: "People are going to love you!!!!!"

Kuzmin's 2023 Strictly partner Layton Williams, who he reached the final with, threw his support behind the star by posting on X: "NIKKKIITTTAA."

Some of the other 2023 cast including Angela Scanlon, Zara McDermott and Nikita Kanda also supported him, while Krishnan Guru-Murthy commented: "Well this is going to be fun xx."

Former Strictly pro James Jordan, who has done a number of reality shows since leaving the BBC series including Celebrity Big Brother, commented on X about Kuzmin's launch show suit which featured a large white ruffle.

He wrote: "Nice to see a fellow dancer go in to the @bbuk house but who the f*** thought it would be a good idea to put that on his suit?"

Which other Strictly stars have taken part in reality TV?

Most Strictly pros wait until quitting the contest to take on other reality TV work, with the exception of a couple of shows.

Dancers including Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell and Katya Jones have taken part in Celebrity MasterChef, while judge Motsi Mabuse has done The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer.

Celebrity Hunted has also seen a number of Strictly stars sign up, including Katya Jones, AJ Pritchard while he was still in Strictly, and Kai Widdrington and Giovanni Pernice's series is yet to air.

However, shows that tend to attract more controversy are usually only taken on by former Strictly stars - including James Jordan's two Celebrity Big Brother appearances, and I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! which has included Ola Jordan, AJ Pritchard, Vincent Simone and Camilla Dallerup.

Read more: Celebrity Big Brother

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• Celebrity Big Brother gets underway with timely throwback to George Galloway's infamous stint (HuffPost, 2 min read)