Nikita Kuzmin has swiftly become a familiar and much-loved face on British television screens, primarily through his role as a professional dancer on the BBC’s flagship show, Strictly Come Dancing. With his infectious energy, impressive talent, and charismatic personality, Nikita has captured the hearts of viewers and established himself as a dynamic force in the world of dance and entertainment. This article explores Nikita’s journey, his time on Strictly, and the various aspects of his life and career that have garnered public interest.
From Ukraine to the Ballroom: Nikita’s Journey into Dance
Born on December 23, 1997, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Nikita’s passion for dance ignited early in his life. His family recognized his talent and made a significant move to Italy when he was just nine years old to support his and his sister Anastasia’s burgeoning dance careers. This early dedication laid the foundation for a successful career in Latin and Ballroom dancing.
During his nine years in Italy, Nikita achieved remarkable success, becoming a six-time Italian National Champion in Latin and Ballroom. This impressive track record speaks volumes about his dedication, skill, and competitive spirit. His talent and ambition eventually led him to Germany, where he worked at the dance studio of fellow Strictly alumni Motsi Mabuse before landing a role on Let’s Dance, the German version of Strictly Come Dancing, in 2020.
What people are asking:
Where is Nikita Kuzmin from? Nikita was born in Kyiv, Ukraine.
How old is Nikita Kuzmin? He was born on December 23, 1997, making him 27 years old as of April 20, 2025.
How did Nikita Kuzmin start dancing? He began dancing at a young age, and his family moved to Italy to support his and his sister’s dance aspirations.
What are Nikita Kuzmin’s dance achievements before Strictly? He is a six-time Italian National Champion in Latin and Ballroom dancing.
Was Nikita Kuzmin on the German version of Strictly? Yes, he was a professional dancer on Let’s Dance in Germany in 2020.
Joining the Strictly Family: Making His Mark
Nikita Kuzmin joined the Strictly Come Dancing family as one of the new professional dancers for the nineteenth series, which aired in 2021. His arrival brought a fresh energy and dynamic to the show, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his enthusiastic teaching style and engaging performances.
In his debut season, Nikita was partnered with Tilly Ramsay, the daughter of chef Gordon Ramsay. Their partnership was a hit with viewers, and they made it to week 10 of the competition, showcasing Nikita’s ability to connect with his celebrity partner and create memorable routines.
Since then, Nikita has become a regular fixture on Strictly, consistently demonstrating his talent and building strong partnerships with his celebrity contestants.
What people are asking:
When did Nikita Kuzmin join Strictly Come Dancing? He joined Strictly in 2021 for the nineteenth series.
Who was Nikita Kuzmin partnered with on his first series of Strictly? His first celebrity partner was Tilly Ramsay.
How far did Nikita and Tilly get in the competition? They reached week 10 of the nineteenth series.
Who has Nikita Kuzmin been partnered with on Strictly Come Dancing? His Strictly partners include:
Series 19 (2021): Tilly Ramsay (eliminated in Week 10)
Series 20 (2022): Ellie Simmonds (eliminated in Week 7)
Series 21 (2023): Layton Williams (Finalist, Joint Runner-Up)
Series 22 (2024): Sam Quek (eliminated in Week 7)
Has Nikita Kuzmin ever reached the Strictly final? Yes, he reached the final in the twenty-first series (2023) with his partner, Layton Williams, finishing as a joint runner-up.
Memorable Partnerships and Performances: A Journey Through the Series
Nikita’s time on Strictly has been marked by several memorable partnerships and performances that have showcased his versatility as a dancer and his ability to connect with his celebrity partners.
His partnership with Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds in the twentieth series was particularly heartwarming, as they navigated the challenges of adapting routines to Ellie’s stature, delivering inspiring and technically impressive performances. Their journey to week 7 resonated with many viewers.
In the twenty-first series, his partnership with actor and musical theatre star Layton Williams was groundbreaking. As an all-male pairing, they made history on Strictly, consistently delivering high-energy and innovative routines that pushed boundaries and earned them a place in the final. Their Paso Doble, which received a perfect score of 40, remains a standout moment.
Most recently, in the twenty-second series, Nikita partnered with former England hockey player Sam Quek. Their athletic backgrounds made them a promising duo, and they delivered some strong performances before being eliminated in week 7.
What people are asking:
What was Nikita Kuzmin’s highest score on Strictly Come Dancing? His highest score to date is 40, which he achieved with Layton Williams for their Paso Doble.
What were some of Nikita Kuzmin’s most memorable dances? Memorable dances include his Argentine Tango with Tilly Ramsay, his various powerful routines with Ellie Simmonds showcasing adaptation, his groundbreaking and high-scoring performances with Layton Williams (including their Paso Doble and Charleston), and his energetic Jive with Sam Quek.
How did Nikita Kuzmin adapt his choreography for Ellie Simmonds? He worked closely with Ellie to create routines that accommodated her stature while still maintaining the integrity and technicality of the dances, often incorporating creative lifts and movements.
What was the significance of Nikita’s partnership with Layton Williams? Their all-male partnership was a significant step for inclusivity on Strictly, and they consistently delivered exceptional performances that challenged traditional gender roles in ballroom and Latin dancing.
Life Beyond the Ballroom: Other Ventures and Interests
While Strictly Come Dancing is his primary platform in the UK, Nikita has also been involved in other projects and has shared aspects of his personal life that have captured public attention.
In early 2024, he participated in the twenty-third series of Celebrity Big Brother, where his engaging personality resonated with housemates and viewers, leading him to finish as the runner-up. This appearance showcased a different side of Nikita beyond his dancing persona.
Nikita has also been open about his diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 13. He often wears a continuous glucose monitor on his arm during his Strictly performances and uses his platform to raise awareness about the condition, inspiring others by demonstrating that it doesn’t have to limit one’s ambitions.
What people are asking:
Was Nikita Kuzmin on Celebrity Big Brother? Yes, he was a contestant on the twenty-third series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2024 and finished in second place.
What is the white patch Nikita wears on his arm? It is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that he uses to manage his Type 1 diabetes.
Has Nikita Kuzmin spoken about his diabetes? Yes, he has been open about his diagnosis and uses his platform to raise awareness and inspire others living with the condition.
Is Nikita Kuzmin in a relationship? Nikita Kuzmin is currently in a relationship with model Lauren Jaine. He has spoken fondly of their relationship in interviews.
Does Nikita Kuzmin have any upcoming tours or projects? Yes, Nikita embarked on his first solo UK and Ireland tour, “The Midnight Dancer,” in 2025, showcasing his talent in a live dance extravaganza. He has also previously toured with his Strictly partners.
Controversies and Public Perception: Navigating the Spotlight
Like any public figure, Nikita has occasionally faced scrutiny or been involved in minor controversies during his time in the spotlight.
During his partnership with Ellie Simmonds, they received a deduction for an “illegal lift,” which sparked some discussion among viewers. However, Nikita took the feedback in stride.
More broadly, the nature of Strictly, with its close partnerships, sometimes leads to speculation about relationships between the dancers and their celebrity partners. However, Nikita has generally maintained a professional demeanor.
In 2024, ahead of the Strictly series, Nikita responded to general bullying allegations surrounding the show by stating that his personal experiences on Strictly had been positive.
What people are asking:
Did Nikita Kuzmin and Ellie Simmonds have a controversy about a lift? Yes, they were marked down by the judges for an “illegal lift” during one of their routines.
Has Nikita Kuzmin been involved in any Strictly “curse” rumors? While Strictly is often associated with relationship rumors, Nikita’s personal relationships have generally remained outside of major “curse” narratives in the media.
How did Nikita Kuzmin respond to Strictly bullying allegations? He stated that his personal experiences on the show had been “top notch.”
A Bright Future: Continuing to Shine
Nikita Kuzmin has established himself as a talented and popular figure in the UK entertainment industry. His passion for dance, his engaging personality, and his genuine connection with the audience have made him a beloved member of the Strictly Come Dancing family. As he continues his journey, both on the dance floor and in other ventures, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued success and the new ways he will undoubtedly light up our screens. His dedication to his craft, his openness about his personal experiences, and his infectious energy make him a compelling and inspiring figure in the public eye. The future looks bright for this talented dancer who has already achieved so much in a relatively short time.
FAQs
Who is Nikita Kuzmin?
Nikita Kuzmin is a Ukrainian-born professional dancer and choreographer, renowned for his appearances on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing and Germany’s Let’s Dance. Born on December 23, 1997, in Kyiv, Ukraine, he moved to Italy at age nine, where he became a six-time Italian Champion in Latin and Ballroom dance. At 18, he relocated to Germany to further his dance career and later joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 .
What is “Midnight Dancer”?
“Midnight Dancer” is Nikita Kuzmin’s first solo UK and Ireland tour, set to run from March 8 to May 24, 2025. The show features a dynamic blend of dance and music, with Nikita leading a talented cast of dancers and vocalists. Audiences can expect an evening filled with popular hits, world-class choreography, and an atmosphere bursting with energy and euphoria .
When and where is the “Midnight Dancer” tour happening?
The tour kicks off on March 8, 2025, in Bromley and concludes on May 24, 2025. Key dates include:
March 22-23: London, Peacock Theatre
April 3: Glasgow, SEC Armadillo
May 4: Dublin, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
May 8: Manchester, Aviva Studios
For a complete list of tour dates and venues, please visit nikitalive.co.uk.
Where can I purchase tickets for the tour?
Tickets for most tour dates went on sale on July 26, 2024. Some venues may have different on-sale dates. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit nikitalive.co.uk .
What can audiences expect from the “Midnight Dancer” show?
Audiences can look forward to a spectacular performance featuring Nikita Kuzmin alongside a chic ensemble of dancers and vocalists. The show promises a unique blend of popular music, captivating choreography, and an evening filled with joy and high-energy entertainment .
Is Nikita Kuzmin still part of Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, Nikita continues to be a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. In the 2024 series, he was partnered with Olympian Sam Quek. Previously, he reached the finals with Layton Williams in 2023 and has been a part of the show since 2021 .
Has Nikita Kuzmin participated in any other television shows?
In addition to Strictly Come Dancing, Nikita was a contestant on the 23rd series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2024, where he finished as the runner-up .
What is known about Nikita Kuzmin’s personal life?
Nikita was previously in a relationship with fellow dancer Nicole Wirt. As of October 2023, he has been reported to be dating model Lauren Jaine .
To conclude
Nikita Kuzmin’s journey from a young dancer in Ukraine to an international stage performer is a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication. His upcoming Midnight Dancer tour offers fans a unique opportunity to experience his artistry live. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to his work, Nikita’s story is both inspiring and captivating.
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