Strictly star Nikita Kuzmin discusses support from his family
Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin was visibly emotional on ITV's Lorraine as he recounted the unwavering support of his family through his health struggles and career achievements.
The dance floor hero couldn't help but get misty-eyed when host Lorraine Kelly asked about his strong family ties. Nikita waved his hand in front of his face, fighting tears, and shared with Lorraine: "Just talking about it is making me emotional," as he thanked his family for their ceaseless encouragement.
Visibly moved during the chat, Nikita spoke earnestly about his loved ones, saying: "The person I am today, I owe everything to them, I am getting emotional just talking about it.
"They have been there for me since I was a kid, you know I travelled all over the world and you know it was because of my parents and my nan obviously."
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On the show he discussed headlining his own stage show next year, saying: "One of my biggest dreams," pausing, before continuing: "I always envisaged me on the stage and my nan, my mum, my dad and my sister and my girlfriend just sitting in the front row, you know it's just..", reports Wales Online.
Bursting with enthusiasm, Lorraine couldn't help but interject: "And it's going to happen, it's going to happen next year." During the chat, Nikita disclosed details about his health struggles, revealing a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at only 13 years old that he once feared might prematurely halt his dancing career.
Probing deeper into the realities of managing his condition, the ITV host inquired: "How does it all work for you with diabetes?
"I know you lived with it since you were a kid and that it's become part of your life. It must be quite hard sometimes?" Nikita shared his experiences candidly: "Well it's not easy, obviously it's a condition which you carry with you every single day."
He detailed how having a family familiar with diabetes proved beneficial as they supported and motivated each other throughout the tougher days.
Meanwhile, Lorraine hinted for Nikita to speak about the drama that had unfolded on Strictly at the moment with Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington at the centre of the scandal.
The actress claimed that the Italian dancer had been "abusive, cruel and mean," as she accused him of bullying, claims that the pro had always profusely denied. Wanting to know what life was like as part of the show as they scoot around such serious accusations, Lorraine probed Nikita.
However, he had nothing but praise, explaining he'd alway been fortunate on the programme while describing Strictly as a "warm blanket" that he couldn't wait to get back to.
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV, from 9am.
