Strictly's Nikita Kuzmin finally being 'himself' after years of 'trying to hide'

Nikita Kuzmin has been a professional dancer on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing since 2021 - but explained he only feels he can act like himself on the show this year

Nikita Kuzmin has opened up about being able to finally feel he can be himself on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 26-year-old dance professional - who joined the show in 2021 - has been paired with 36-year-old Olympic icon Sam Quek on the 2024 season of the long-running BBC dance show. The duo were among guests attending the Daily Mirror Pride Of Britain Awards With TSB, hosted by Carol Vorderman, on Monday evening, where the Ukrainian star explained that he is now acting like himself for the first time on the show - which fans appear to have already picked up on.

Nikita has been more expressive on the show and drew laughs from Strictly viewers when his face dropped dramatically when it was revealed JLS singer JB Gill and his professional partner Amy Dowden would face the dance off on Saturday. He has now opened up about his reaction.

Speaking to the Mirror at the awards ceremony at Grosvenor House Hotel in London, Nikita said: "This Strictly I'm not sure what I'm doing. I'm not thinking this year, I'm just being myself. So all the reactions, I've been doing them for years so I'm just trying to hide them usually and this year - I was genuinely shocked (at the dance-off)!"

He added: "I'm not sure what a meme is, but I'm sure I do that face every week!" Appearing at his side, Sam then joked: "Are you telling them how bad I am?" and Nikita promptly said: "Not at all!"

The pair discussed their exhausting training schedule as they continue their journey to secure the Glitterball Trophy. Nikita said: "It's a Monday and it's a tough, tough day. Every Monday is a tough Monday and it's where you have to deliver."

Agreeing the training is hard, Sam added: "It's your hardest day." But Nikita said: "No, yours!" Sam added: "I like Mondays - it's like an emotional rollercoaster. I'm like fresh, good to go and then Tuesday it's like, head down. Wednesday I'm like, Oh I can't do it!"

This weekend is Halloween week on Strictly and Nikita promised he has a surprise in store for viewers. He revealed: "I am planning the costumes." Asked what he is planning to wear, he said: "A lot. I'm telling you - be ready to be surprised. It's a lot. I'm not saying anything."

Last weekend saw football pundit Paul Merson and his dance partner Karen Hauer drop out of the competition after they lost the dance off against JB and Amy. The sport legend paid tribute to Karen for whipping him into shape during their time on the show.

He said: "My abs are really tight now. I am so proud of you. Every week you have showed up, you have improved. You're what Strictly is about and I want to thank you for bringing such joy and just showing everyone that it is possible with a little bit of work and lots of giggles."

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