Strictly Come Dancing star speaks out on pro dancer's exit: 'The show misses him'

The 29-year-old Tracy Beaker star made it to the final of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Vincent Simone, 39, back in 2012. It marked the Italian dancer’s last year on the series. With the line-up of professionals on the show changing each year, Dani Harmer told Express.co.uk something has been lacking since he left. “As a show, they’re missing a huge character in Vincent,” she said.

“Not only is he a wonderful dancer but he’s also the nicest person on the planet and TV gold — he’s absolutely hilarious,” she added.

“I think the programme probably misses him.”

Vincent starred on Strictly from 2006 until his departure after Dani’s series.

During that time, his Italian charm made him a favourite among fans and also made it to the final with his first celebrity partner, Louisa Lytton, 29.

He continues to tour the UK with his professional dance partner Flavia Cacace, 38.

Dani, who is performing in pantomime this year, admitted she hadn’t caught up with her former Strictly partner for a while, saying: “I was just talking about him earlier because he’s doing panto as well.

“So, hopefully, I’m going to pop over and see him at some point, if I can squeeze it into my schedule,” she continued.

“I definitely need to go and catch up and maybe do a little bit of dancing with him because it’s been a while.”

However, the actress revealed she was glad Vincent was no longer on Strictly for “selfish reasons”.

“I was his last dance, so I didn’t have to get jealous watching another celebrity dance with him,” she laughed. “From my point of view, it was great! 

“We giggled so much,” she said, reminiscing about their dance journey together. “I think we laughed way more than we actually danced.”

On the subject of making the final, Dani said: “That was all thanks to Vincent. I’m not taking any credit for that whatsoever.

“The man is a genius and brilliant teacher and a wonderful choreographer.”

The Strictly pro line-up has seen many changes over the years, with 42-year-old Brendan Cole being dropped before the most recent series.

Brendan’s exit meant Anton Du Beke, 52, was the last remaining member of the original cast of dancers.

Meanwhile, several new stars joined this year, including Graziano Di Prima, 24, Luba Mushtuk, 28, and Johannes Radebe, 31.

source: express.co.uk