Strictly Come Dancing's Nikita Kuzmin has opened up on what it is like to live with Type 1 diabetes. The professional dancer was diagnosed with the condition aged 13.
The 27-year-old admitted he sometimes feels "overwhelmed" when his glucose monitor, which estimates a person's blood sugar level, is visible when he is performing. However, he is delighted if it inspires others with the condition and sees living with diabetes as his superpower.
In an interview with New magazine, he said: "I see it as my superpower. It makes me more responsible and aware of my body. If I can inspire even one person by showing them it's possible to dance with diabetes, then I've done my job."
Nikita is a fan favourite on Strictly and has been on the BBC contest since 2021. He was partnered up with Sam Quek on the last season of the programme.
Olympic Gold Medal winner Sam hails from Merseyside and Nikita lived in Liverpool when they rehearsed for the BBC show. The dancer is coming back to the region with his new tour, Midnight Dancer, which lands at the Liverpool Empire on April 30.
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Nikita loved his time in Liverpool as he told the ECHO in an exclusive interview last year: "I think it's great to be up north and in Liverpool. So far it's been fun. I love the people.
"The people are great and there is so much to do here. The whole Albert Dock is gorgeous. I love the city centre and there is also a lot of history."
Nikita was born in Ukraine but moved to Italy aged nine. The dancer is well versed in what makes a good pizza and pasta and was wowed by the Italian food on offer in Merseyside.
Nikita particularly enjoyed his trips to the Rudy's branch on the Albert Dock and Joey's on Hardman Street and was blown away by the amount you are given as he laughed: "The food portions are great."
Away from the dancefloor, the Celebrity Big Brother star is in a happy relationship with his girlfriend Lauren Jaine. Nikita insisted the infamous Strictly curse is not a concern in their relationship as Lauren understands getting up close and personal with a dance partner is part of the job.
He said: "I think it can be difficult for anyone who isn't a dancer to understand, but she knows it's just a job. We don't really think about it in a romantic way - it's just part of what we do. And if there was ever an issue, we'd talk about it and just sort it out."
Nikita is planning for the long-term with his partner as he envisions tying the know at some point in the future. He said: "We just saw a video of a wedding in South Africa and got emotional watching it.
"So, why not?" Nikita is one of the most popular stars on Strictly, but admitted the lack of privacy that comes with fame is sometimes a struggle.
He said: "I love my job, but I also love just being a regular person. It took me years to find a balance, but I have my ways now, such as being surrounded by loved ones and focusing on what is important."
