Huge blow for Strictly live tour as ANOTHER star pulls out with emotional statement

THERE'S been a fresh blow for the Strictly tour, as another one of their main stars has pulled out of the live shows.

It comes after opera singer Wynne Evans, 53, was axed from the tour.

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The Strictly Come Dancing tour is currently heading round the country and, despite only just kicking off, has been hit by a series of blows.

Now it's been revealed that pro dancer Vito Coppola has had to pull out of the tour after a previous injury flared up again.

The Italian dancer announced his withdrawal from the remainder of the live tour, with an emotional statement.

Vito, who was partnered with actress Sarah Hadland, performed in just one show with her.

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He missed the beginning of the tour because of injury, but returned for one night at Newcastle, where they were crowned the champs.

Sharing their win on Instagram, and writing a heartfelt message to Sarah and to his fans, Vito said: "This is the way I would like to remember this tour Trilly ❤️

"Even though I won’t be able to be with you on the Strictly Arena Tour, we had the chance to dance one more time together and it has been as always super beautiful and memorable.

He went on to praise their partnership, and say how he will continue to "support" her.

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Referring to his injury, Vito added: "I promised you that I will take more care of me and my body and I want you to promise me that you will always stay the same enthusiastic, super active, smiling and jumpy person I have met few months ago, before this incredible experience started… keep shining Trilly, you are full of life."

Vito ended by wishing the rest of the Strictly cast "good luck" and thanked his fans for their "support".

Fellow professional Nikita Kuzmin will continue to partner Sarah for the remaining tour dates.

Meanwhile, Wynne was axed from the tour after he joked about having a threesome with professional dancer 

He has since apologised for what he said.

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Addressing the situation, Wynne said: "I've agreed with the BBC that l'll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing.

"I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection.

"Apologies to those I won't get to see at the remaining performances and I'm grateful to my fellow tour gang for all the amazing support they have given me."

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'EXPENSIVE' TOUR

The tour has also been slammed for being "expensive", especially as some of the stars are missing.

Taking to Twitter/X One person wrote: “I’m just a bit disappointed by how absences have been handled. The tour is pretty expensive for good seats but for one the actual winner of the show wasn’t there.

“That’s fair enough Chris said from the get go he had his own tour and wouldn’t be attending but in doing so it made Dianne a bit of a spare part.

“She was in most of the routines and she was amazing but she deserved to be more celebrated as the winner on the tour and she wasn’t. She was like a backing dancer to people she had actually won against.

“Another thing was that Vito, also wasn’t on the tour. I saw that he had injured himself but have since seen him in Glasgow doing the dance classes with Shirley!

“There’s been little to no update on his whereabouts and it seems like he’s preoccupied with his calendars and private dance events.”

Someone else wrote: “I’m supposed to be seeing the tour next weekend and honestly I'm not even sure what to expect at this point.

“The tickets were extortionately priced so we’ve had to keep scouring and sit higher tier just to afford it, which we were willing to do as have enjoyed the past tours but honestly im not sure if we can justify it again going forward.

"The merch prices are also ridiculous and the items themselves not even very good from what I’ve seen.”

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Another wrote: “I always find it a bit bizarre that the winner doesn't have to go on the tour ngl.

"Surely there should be a clause in the contract that says 'if you win the show, you are required to do the tour'".