Nikita Kuzmin (Ukrainian: Нікіта Кузьмін; born 23 December 1997) is a Ukrainian dancer and choreographer. He is best known for being a professional dancer on the RTL and BBC One dance competitions Let's Dance and Strictly Come Dancing. Kuzmin is also the holder of six Italian Championship titles.[1] In 2024 he was the runner-up on the 23rd series of Celebrity Big Brother.
Early life
Kuzmin was born on 23 December 1997 in Kyiv, Ukraine.[2] His family moved to Italy when Kuzmin was nine. At 13 years of age he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.[3] He has an older sister, Anastasia Kuzmina, who has appeared as a professional dancer on Ballando con le Stelle. He has lived in Frankfurt, Germany since the age of 18.[4]
In 2020, Kuzmin became a professional dancer on the RTL dance competition Let's Dance for the 13th season, where he was partnered with rapper Sabrina Setlur.[5] They were the second couple to be eliminated.[6] Kuzmin did not return for the 14th season.[7]
On 26 July 2021, Kuzmin was announced as one of four new professional dancers joining the nineteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing.[8][9] Upon joining the show, Kuzmin said "I've always been amazed by the magic Strictly Come Dancing brings and that no matter what country I have found myself living in, I've never missed a chance to watch it. Joining it as a professional dancer is my big chance to make some magic on the most famous dance floor. I can't wait to give it my all."[10] Kuzmin has also previously worked for judge Motsi Mabuse's dance company in Germany.[11] In his first season, Kuzmin was paired with Tilly Ramsay; they were eliminated from the competition in week 10.[12] In his second season, Kuzmin was paired with Ellie Simmonds; they were eliminated from the competition in week 7. In his third season, Kuzmin was paired with Layton Williams. They made it to the final where they finished as joint runners-up, alongside Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, and behind series champions Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola. In his Fourth
season, Kuzmin was paired with Sam Quek; they were eliminated in week 7.
In September 2024 Kuzmin announced he would appear with Jowita Przystał at "Dancing with the Stars Weekends" 2025.[15]
Personal life
In March 2022, Kuzmin appeared on Lorraine to discuss his fears for his grandmother living in Ukraine following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[16] They were later reunited.[17]
In October 2023, Kuzmin was reported to be dating a model called Lauren Jaine.[18]