Fans best know the professional dancer for being part of the hit BBC One dance show, having joined back in 2021 and was recently seen back in the ballroom for his fifth year, where he made it to the final with actress and West End star Amber Davies.
But his return to Strictly was initially dealt a blow after he was left without a celebrity dance partner. Nikita was seen during the Strictly 2025 launch show in September being revealed as the dance partner for former Love Island winner Dani Dyer.
However, just days before the first live show of the show’s 23rd series, it was revealed that Dani would no longer be able to compete. She revealed that she fractured her ankle while rehearsing the Quickstep, the routine her and Nikita were preparing to perform during week one of the competition, and just 24 hours later, Amber was drafted in in her place.
Everything, however, worked out well in the end and Nikita was seen making it to another final, which saw Strictly’s 2025 series won by former footballer Karen Carney and her professional dance partner Carlos Gu.
Weeks on and away from the ballroom, Nikita has revealed that he and his girlfriend, model Lauren Jaine, who he has been in a relationship with since 2023, have added a four-legged friend to their family.
Nikita and Lauren revealed they welcomed their new puppy(Image: Nikita Kuzmin Instagram)
Alongside pictures of their new furry arrival, Nikita gushed on Instagram: “Our dream finally came true and we’re proud parents of our little girl, Mabel [heart emoji]. The cats think we are crazy, but soon we will be one big family together [heart emojis]. Welcome to the family Mabel.”
Responding to the post, fellow Strictly pro Gorka Marquez, who welcomed a puppy into his family last year, responded: “Cute [love heart eyes emoji], while Amy Dowden and Johannes Radebe also commented their own love heart eyes emojis in the comments section. Carlos Gu posted: “Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” Alexis Warr replied: “Omgeee [love heart eyes emojis],” while Jowita Przystal added: “Oh stop it! [love heart eyes emojis].”
Fans were also keen to respond. @emmalouise1223 said: “OMG she is the cutest…welcome to the family Mabel, what a beautiful home you will have.” @hayleighmcgoran16 commented: “Love the scan photo at the end [crying laughing emojis] but oh my gosh Mabel is so adorable.”
@airymcfairy replied: “Welcome Mabel! She’s a beauty. We have 3 chi’s. Fabulous little dogs.” @eddo_official wrote: “Stoppppp. She’s soooo cuttteee.” @nik_dorset posted: “Cuter than ever!! Enjoy your journey together.” @nikitasgirlxx added: “She’s so so precious,, I actually can’t.”