Nikita Strictly Come Dancing: Partner, Girlfriend, Diabetes Update

When Nikita Kuzmin took to the Strictly Come Dancing floor in 2021, viewers quickly noticed something small but significant peeking out from under his costume — a glucose monitor, tracking his blood sugar in real time. The Ukrainian-Italian professional dancer, born 23 December 1997 in Kyiv, has been open about living with type 1 diabetes since the age of 13, and has built a devoted following not just for his footwork, but for the way he carries that diagnosis with quiet confidence on one of television’s biggest stages.

Current Strictly Partner: Amber Davies ·
Strictly Debut: 2021 ·
Diabetes Type 1 Diagnosis: Age 13 ·
Nationality: Ukrainian-Italian ·
Instagram: 339K followers

Who is Nikita from Strictly in a relationship with?

Nikita Kuzmin has been in a relationship with model Lauren Jaine for nearly three years as of early 2026. The pair started dating on 26 June 2023, with Jaine revealing that Kuzmin asked her to be his girlfriend on their third date. Lauren Jaine is signed to modelling agencies First and Sandra Reynolds, and maintains followings of 20k on Instagram and 35k on TikTok.

Current relationship status

The couple have vacationed together in Iceland, Italy, and Vietnam, and attended the Italian Grand Prix. They co-parent cats together, and Kuzmin has described Lauren as a supportive force despite his demanding Strictly schedule. Kuzmin reportedly hopes to marry Jaine within the next couple of years, though he has dismissed previous engagement speculation after Jaine was photographed wearing a ring.

Past partners including Lauren Jaine and Nicole Wirt

Before Lauren Jaine, reports circulated about a prior relationship with Nicole Wirt, though confirmation on that split remains unclear. Kuzmin and Jaine went public with their relationship in October 2023 per media reports, and their relationship is now approaching its third anniversary.

What illness does Nikita have on Strictly?

Nikita Kuzmin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13. Unlike the more common type 2 diabetes, type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, requiring daily insulin management through injections or a pump. Kuzmin wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) sensor, which is often visible in his Strictly costumes as a small device attached to his arm or torso.

Type 1 diabetes diagnosis

Kuzmin has spoken openly about using his diagnosis as what he calls a “superpower” — a mindset that reframes the daily management demands of diabetes into resilience. He has discussed his condition alongside dance partner Amber Davies in interviews, helping raise awareness about living actively with type 1 diabetes.

Using diagnosis as superpower

The CGM sensor Kuzmin wears allows him to monitor glucose levels continuously during training and live performances. Dance is physically demanding, requiring careful management of blood sugar levels before, during, and after performances. Kuzmin’s transparency about this aspect of his life has resonated with fans facing similar challenges.

Are Nikita and Lauren still together?

Yes, Nikita Kuzmin and Lauren Jaine remain together as of early 2026. Their relationship began on 26 June 2023 and has continued through Kuzmin’s demanding Strictly seasons and his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, where he was runner-up in 2024.

Relationship timeline with Lauren Jaine

The couple met and began dating in mid-2023. Lauren Jaine is a model signed to agencies First and Sandra Reynolds, and has been a visible presence in Kuzmin’s life, accompanying him to events and sharing their travels on social media. She reportedly started dating Kuzmin in October 2023 per media reports, with the couple marking significant milestones together.

Recent updates and rumors

Despite occasional speculation about their status, both Kuzmin and Jaine have continued their relationship publicly. Kuzmin has dismissed engagement rumors that emerged after Jaine was photographed wearing a ring, suggesting the couple is in no rush despite his stated desire to marry “within the next couple of years.”

Have Nikita and Nicole split?

Reports circulated about a prior relationship between Nikita Kuzmin and Nicole Wirt, with some outlets suggesting a split. However, confirmation of this relationship and its ending remains limited in verified sources, making the exact timeline unclear.

Split rumors with Nicole Wirt

Daily Mail and other outlets reportedly covered speculation about a relationship with Nicole Wirt and subsequent split, but details are sparse in high-confidence sources. This remains an area where additional verification would strengthen confidence.

Confirmation from reports

What is clearer is that Kuzmin’s established long-term relationship began with Lauren Jaine in June 2023, predating any confirmed reporting on prior partnerships. Fans curious about Nicole Wirt should note that confirmed facts about this connection remain limited.

Who is Nikita’s new partner?

For Strictly Come Dancing series 23 (2025), Nikita Kuzmin was partnered with Amber Davies, a Welsh actor and television personality. The pairing was announced when Davies joined the Strictly cast on 26 August 2024.

Current dance partner Amber Davies

Amber Davies won Love Island in 2017 and has built a career in musical theatre, starring in West End productions of 9 to 5: The Musical and Back to the Future: The Musical. She was born in Denbigh, North Wales, and her Strictly announcement marked a significant step in her dance career. Davies is in a long-term relationship with West End actor Mr Joyce.

Previous celebrity partners

Kuzmin’s Strictly history includes partnerships with Layton Williams in 2023, when they became one half of a history-making same-sex couple on the show, and Sam Quek, who was eliminated in week 7 of a prior season. On Germany’s Let’s Dance, Kuzmin was initially paired with Dani Dyer before she withdrew due to a fractured ankle, then completed the season with Amber Davies.

For Strictly fans wondering whether Kuzmin will walk down the aisle soon, the picture is clear: Lauren Jaine remains his partner, and a wedding is planned — eventually. What remains less certain is the timing, the scale of the celebration, and whether Kuzmin’s next Strictly season will bring another finalist finish. The 2026 Supernova Tour offers one answer, but the dance floor remains open.