NIKITA KUZMIN is a familiar face to BBC viewers and the star is now set to cross over to ITV for Celebrity Big Brother 2024.
The professional dancer first joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 and has been partnered with stars like Tilly Ramsay, Ellie Simmonds and Layton Williams.
Who is Nikita Kuzmin?
Nikita Kuzmin is a Ukrainian-Italian dancer and choreographer.
He was born on December 23, 1997, in Kyiv.
The star is best known for being a professional dancer on the competition shows Let's Dance and Strictly Come Dancing.
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He first started dancing at the age of four but his initial dream job was to practice karate like his hero Jackie Chan.
Kuzmin and his family relocated to Italy from Ukraine in a bid to support his sister's dance career when he was nine years old.
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 joining the German version of Strictly Come Dancing - Let's Dance - as a pro.
He was confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing pro line-up in 2021 and has been a familiar face on the show ever since.
For his debut year Kuzmin partnered with TV and social media star Tilly Ramsay.
During his second Strictly stint in 2022 the pro dancer was paired with Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds.
For the 2023 Strictly series Kuzmin was partnered with actor and singer Layton Williams.
The duo ultimately came in second place behind series winners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.
Is Nikita Kuzmin married?
Kuzmin is not married but in October 2023 The Sun revealed that the Strictly pro had found love with a stunning model.
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The star was spotted sharing an intimate moment with university graduate Lauren Jaine after she watched him perform live during the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing series.
A source told The Sun at the time: "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."
The Strictly star later went Instagram official with his girlfriend by posting a sweet mirror selfie and a short clip of the pair.
Kuzmin was in a long-term relationship with German dancer Nicole Wirt before dating Jaine but the couple called it quits in October 2022.
Does Nikita Kuzmin have kids?
Kuzmin does not have children but he has shared glimpses into his family life in the past.
Speaking on the podcast Private Parts in 2022, the professional dancer revealed details about his older family members who were fleeing Kyiv at the time.
He explained how his elderly grandmother had escaped the war-torn city for Poland, saying: "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?
Kuzmin is very popular on the social media platform Instagram.
As of February 2024, the star boasts an impressive following of 258k fans.
Kuzmin often shares details of his life off-camera with his followers.
He is known to post behind-the-scenes Strictly snaps, smiling selfies, and sweet photos with family and friends on his page.
What has Nikita Kuzmin said about Layton Williams?
Kuzmin and Williams became close friends during their time together on Strictly and the professional dancer was seen breaking down in tears as he paid tribute to his partner during the semi-final show.
After the couple received a perfect score of 40 for their incredible Charleston, Claudia Winkleman asked Kuzmin why Williams should make it to the top three.
With his arm around the actor, the dancer 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."
He then teared up as he looked at Williams and continued: "But especially....I see you cry you're making me cry...but you make me shine with how much you are shining."
He added: "Honestly you're one of my best friends and this is just so special, I would love to have my first final with you."
The duo went on to make it to the final and just missed out on being crowned the series winners.
When will Nikita Kuzmin be on Celebrity Big Brother?
In February 2024 Kuzmin was revealed as a housemate on the 2024 series of Celebrity Big Brother.
The show, which hasn't aired since 2018, is due to launch on ITV on March 4.
The series has scored a number of big names for the line-up including Love Island's Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, former This Morning host Fern Britton and Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches.
