Who is Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin? | The Sun

NIKITA Kuzmin has become a familiar face on Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer first joined the show’s line-up back in 2021 – but who is he and is he married? From his successful career to his life away from the dancefloor, here’s everything you need to know about Nikita Kuzmin.

Who is Nikita Kuzmin?

Nikita Kuzmin, born December 23, 1997, is a Ukrainian-Italian dancer and choreographer.

He is best known for being a professional dancer on the televised competitions Let's Dance and Strictly Come Dancing. 

The Strictly star first started dancing at the age of four – although that wasn’t his initial dream job.

Before finding his passion for performing, Kuzmin first wanted to practice karate like his hero Jackie Chan – but luckily for the dancer, the Ballroom had other plans.

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At the age of nine, Kuzmin and his family relocated to Italy from Ukraine in a bid to support his sister’s dance career.

After making the move, Kuzmin followed in his sister’s footsteps and found dancing success of his own.

He became a six-time Italian Champion in Latin and Ballroom, before later joining the German version of Strictly Come Dancing called Let’s Dance as a professional dancer.

With competitions and TV stints under his belt, Kuzmin joined the Strictly Come Dancing pro line-up in 2021 – and has been a familiar face on the show ever since.

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During his debut year, Kuzmin partnered with TV and social media star Tilly Ramsay.

In 2022, during his second Strictly stint, the pro dancer joined Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds on her Strictly journey.

For the Strictly 2023 series, Kuzmin is partnered with actor and singer Layton Williams.

Is Nikita Kuzmin married?

Nikita Kuzmin is not married.

However, in October 2023, The Sun revealed that the Strictly pro had once again found love with a stunning model following months of dating.

Kuzmin was spotted sharing an intimate moment with model and university graduate Lauren Jaine after she watched him perform live during the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing series.

A source told The Sun: "Nikita and Lauren have been dating for months and seem to have an amazing connection.

"The pair have tried to keep their romance under the radar but they have been attending events together and are really enjoying each other's company.

"They have been spending a lot of time together and even went on holiday together in the summer.

"Things are progressing and Nikita is very happy with his new romance.

"Lauren joined Nikita and his parents at Saturday's live show and he was chuffed to have her in the crowds supporting him.

"His Strictly co-stars also think they are a great match and are rooting for the pair."

The Strictly star also went Instagram official with the model, posting a sweet mirror selfie and a short clip of the pair.

Prior to this, Nikita was in a long-term relationship with German dancer Nicole Wirt. 

However, the couple called it quits in October 2022.

Does Nikita Kuzmin have kids?

No, it appears Nikita does not have children.

However in March 2022, he did share a glimpse into his family life.

The professional dancer revealed details of his older family members, who at the time were in Kyiv.

Kuzmin went on to explain how his elderly grandmother had escaped the war-torn city for Poland.

He said about his brave relative: “She had an operation last year and she couldn’t walk.

"We were thinking, ‘How is she going to do it?’ But she just made it. She crossed the border. She just did it.

"We still don’t know how. I think it’s just your instincts, your survival instincts kicks in.”

Is Nikita on Instagram?

Like many of his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars, Nikita Kuzmin can be found on the social media platform Instagram.

As of December 2023, Kuzmin boasts an impressive Instagram following of 239K fans.

Those hoping to find out more about the pro dancer’s life off-camera can find Strictly snaps, smiling selfies, and sweet photos with family and friends over on Kuzmin's official Instagram page.

What has Nikita Kuzmin said about Layton Williams?

In December 2023, Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin broke down in tears as he paid tribute to Layton Williams during an emotional semi-final show.

After each couple danced their second routine, Claudia Winkleman asked the celebrity's pro why they should be in the final three.

When it came to Layton, his pro partner Nikita was choked up from the beginning, especially as they had just received a perfect score of 40 for their incredible Charleston.

With his arm around him, he said: "Ooh an emotional question and I'm already an emotional girl.

"I know he makes it seem easy but you are the most hard working person I've been in the room with.

"You try to bring joy to everyone no matter what happens outside or what happens in your personal life, which I'm not going to go into that. You always bring joy."

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Nikita teared up as he looked at Layton and continued: "But especially….I see you cry you're making me cry…but you make me shine with how much you are shining."

As he struggled to get his words out, he continued: "Honestly you're one of my best friends and this is just so special, I would love to have my first final with you."

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