Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 4 hrs ago
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin lose points for illegal lifts on Strictly
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin were criticised for lifts in their Paso Doble on BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood said the routine included four lifts that broke the rules for the dance.
The Paso Doble rules require one foot to stay on the floor, and lifts are also prohibited in several other Strictly dance styles.
The pair received 30 points out of a possible 40, with Craig giving them six and the other judges giving them eight each.
Some viewers questioned whether Dyer should be penalised for choreography created by her professional partner.
Kuzmin defended his choreography and said he was proud of Dyer, who had a solo section in the routine.
The pair will be hoping their performance is enough to keep them in the competition next week.
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin scored 30 out of 40 for their Paso Doble on Strictly Come Dancing after judge Craig Revel Horwood criticised four illegal lifts.
Craig gave the pair six points, while the other judges each awarded eight.
Nikita said he choreographed the dance to suit Dani and was proud of her.
Some viewers questioned whether Dani should have been penalised for lifts included in her professional partner’s choreography.
- Who
- Dani Dyer and her professional dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin.
- What
- They received 30 out of 40 for a Paso Doble after criticism over four illegal lifts.
- When
- 14 November 2026.
- Where
- On Strictly Come Dancing, a BBC competition.
- Why
- The routine included lifts that Craig Revel Horwood said broke the rules for the dance.
Craig Revel Horwood and the show's rules
Viewers who questioned the penalty
Responsibility
Craig Revel Horwood and the show's rules
Craig criticised the routine for including four illegal lifts, with the rules requiring one foot to remain on the floor.
Viewers who questioned the penalty
Some viewers argued Dani should not have been penalised for choreography by Nikita.
Consistency
Craig Revel Horwood and the show's rules
Craig awarded the pair six points after the lifts were raised as a rule breach.
Viewers who questioned the penalty
One viewer said the rules should not be applied differently to different couples.
Dani withdrew from the previous series because of an injury.
Dani and Nikita received a 10 for their American Smooth.
The pair performed a Paso Doble, received a score of 30 out of 40 and faced criticism over illegal lifts.
- Paso Doble score
- 30 out of 40
- Craig Revel Horwood's score
- 6 points
- Other judges' scores
- 8 points each
- Lifts criticised
- 4
- Rule cited
- One foot should remain on the floor at all times
1 source
What people are saying
You're taking the mick, darling
Fair enough.
I choreograph on Dani and what fits her. I'm so proud of this girl,