Overview
- Kuzmin’s Instagram post on Wednesday announced his grandfather’s death with a heartfelt caption that ended in Russian with “I love you, Grandpa.”
- Fans and fellow performers left condolences on the post, with messages from Tamzin Outhwaite, Tasha Ghouri, and Strictly singer Tommy Blaize.
- The BBC has confirmed the 2026 judges for Strictly Come Dancing — Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke — and Kuzmin is set to return as a professional.
- Pro dancer departures include Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Luba Mushtuk, and the BBC plans to recruit replacements before the autumn series.
- In recent weeks Kuzmin ran the London Marathon to raise money for Diabetes UK and discussed a past diabetes scare that briefly affected his vision.