Who is Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin?

Get ready to dive into the world of Strictly Come Dancing as we take a closer look at one of its talented professional dancers, Nikita Kuzmin. From his early aspirations to his rise to fame on the popular TV show, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about this dancing sensation.

Who is Nikita Kuzmin?

Nikita Kuzmin, born on December 23, 1997, is a Ukrainian-Italian dancer and choreographer. He has made a name for himself as a professional dancer on the hit TV competitions Let's Dance and Strictly Come Dancing. Kuzmin discovered his love for dancing at the young age of four, although his initial dream was to practice karate like his idol, Jackie Chan. However, fate had other plans, and Kuzmin found his true calling on the dancefloor. After moving to Italy with his family at the age of nine, he followed in his sister's footsteps and became a successful dancer in his own right. He even became a six-time Italian Champion in Latin and Ballroom. Kuzmin's talent eventually led him to join the German version of Strictly Come Dancing, Let's Dance, before making his debut on the UK version in 2021.

Partnering with stars on Strictly Come Dancing

Kuzmin has had the pleasure of partnering with some incredible celebrities during his time on Strictly Come Dancing. In his debut year, he danced alongside TV and social media star Tilly Ramsay. In 2022, he joined forces with Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds, and for the 2023 series, he is partnered with actor and singer Layton Williams. Kuzmin's skill and charisma have made him a familiar face on the show, captivating audiences with his performances.

Love and relationships

When it comes to his personal life, Kuzmin is not married. However, in October 2023, it was revealed that he had found love with a stunning model named Lauren Jaine. The pair had been dating for months and had kept their romance under the radar. They attended events together and even went on a holiday in the summer. Kuzmin's Strictly co-stars are thrilled for the couple and believe they make a great match.

Life off-camera

Outside of Strictly Come Dancing, Kuzmin shares glimpses of his life on Instagram. With an impressive following of 239K fans, his Instagram page offers a treasure trove of Strictly snaps, smiling selfies, and heartwarming moments with family and friends.

A heartfelt tribute

In December 2023, Kuzmin couldn't hold back his emotions as he paid tribute to his dance partner Layton Williams during an emotional semi-final show. After their incredible Charleston performance, Kuzmin tearfully expressed how hardworking and joyful Layton is, both on and off the dancefloor. Their bond as friends and partners was evident, and Kuzmin expressed his desire to have his first final with Layton.

Overall, Nikita Kuzmin's journey on Strictly Come Dancing has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early dreams of karate to becoming a ballroom champion and beloved professional dancer, Kuzmin has truly made his mark in the world of dance. We can't wait to see what the future holds for this talented trailblazer.