Strictly judge Shirley Ballas has revealed what was said during her phone call with Dani Dyer after she was forced to quit the show - as she reveals how producers are working to replace her.

The dancer and head judge, 65, joined This Morning hosts Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48, on Wednesday to discuss the shock departure of the TV personality after a devastating injury.

And it seems show bosses are already scrambling to replace Dani, the daughter - and namesake - of beloved actor Danny Dyer.

Speaking on the programme, Shirely said gravely: 'I know her work ethic and when she got onto Strictly I thought, "They don't know what's hit them!"'

Singing Dani's praises, Shirley continued: 'This young lady is all sparkle, and of course, yesterday, she fell on her ankle, or twisted it, she has a hairline fracture, so she's out.

'I spoke to her yesterday, she's mortified, she's devastated but, as I said to her, she could come back next year. You know, like Jamie Laing did, and he made the final.'

Shirley revealed that Strictly bosses are working busily behind the scenes to find Dani's replacement, but they may have to forgo the first week's elimination to keep the numbers straight.

'I did speak to the executive producer [about a replacement] to try to get an answer for you and they're hustling and bustling to see what they can do,' she said.

'We're a dancer down. So, either, someone won't go home the first week or something like that. But let's hope that someone else will get the opportunity.'

On Tuesday, the Daily Mail broke the news that Dani, 29, one of the show's favourites, had to bow out after fracturing her ankle during a training rehearsal last Friday.

Dani later confirmed this in a statement and said: 'I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny.

'I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.

'Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l've had to pull out of the show.

'To say I'm heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.'

The accident occurred before Dani even got to perform one routine.

Sarah James, Executive Producer for BBC Studios said: 'Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.

'Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she's no longer able to compete in this year's series. 

'We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.'

Many of Dani's Strictly co-stars, celebrities and professional dancers alike, shared their sympathies with the star following her early exit.

These included head judge Shirley, who wrote: 'I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel.'