STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Nikita Kuzmin has bravely opened up about his secret health battles and his fears for family in Ukraine.
In a recent interview, the 24 year old professional dancer explains how he’s dealt with his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and opens up about his fears for family left in Ukraine, amid the ongoing war.
Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin with this year’s celebrity partner Paralympian Ellie Simmonds
Nikita Kuzmin and partner Ellie Simmonds performing on Strictly Come Dancing
Away from the small screen, Nikita had enjoyed many successes as an upcoming dancer, winning six Italian championship titles for his performances.
However, while impressing audiences and judges with his slick moves, his battle with Type 1 diabetes is constantly at the forefront of his mind.
HEALTH STRUGGLES
Nikita, who was partnered with Paralympain Ellie Simmonds on this years show, reveals that his battle with the chronic disease has not affected his mindset, as dealing with it has become his ‘superpower.’
Diagnosed at the tender age of 13, he candidly revealed: “I mean, first of all, the message I would really love to send to all the kids and general people is that this is our superpower.”
He added: “We get to learn how to be responsible from a young age. How to deal with problems with the condition.”
But unfortunately for the Ukainian dancer who first joined Strictly last year, this is not the only issue he has to contend with away from the show.
FEARS FOR FAMILY IN UKRAINE
Amid the war against Ukraine, where his family still live, Nikita faced the ongoing fear for their safety, after Russia declared war against the country earlier this year.
In another interview he recently admitted: “It’s quite difficult, therefore I try to – I call my grandparents every single day.”
ROMANCE RUMOURS
As usual, Strictly Come Dancing has always been associated with rumours of backstage romances.
And Nikita has also fallen victim to the rumour mill. Earlier this year Nikita raised suspicion of a growing romance with co-star Molly Rainford.
HOAR exclusively revealed the pair were growing close at the National Television Awards in October this year.
Although there appeared to be suggestions that this was true, Molly was quick to deny rumours.
She said: “I think because we are a similar age we just get on really well. I’m not looking for love. I’m definitely concentrating on work. I wouldn’t have any time to date at this point. I am way too busy.”
Nikita has however dated fellow dancer Nicole Wirt and the pair made no secret of their romance for all to see on social media.
Nikita Kuzmin and his family
Nikita Kuzmin and ex girlfriend Nicole Wirt
