Strictly Come Dancing star REPLACED on tour after pro suffers painful injury

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Vito Copola has been replaced on the show's live tour after suffering a painful injury.

He was due to reunite with his celebrity partner Sarah Hadland on stage this Friday when the tour kicks off in Birmingham.

Vito has now been forced to step back, just a week after returning to the Strictly rehearsals studio.

The Italian pro, 32, will no longer be a part of the starting line-up on the Strictly live tour after injuring his back.

Speaking on This Morning today, Vito told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard he'll miss out on dancing in the first three shows.

He said : "At the moment I will be replaced by Nikita because I have got a little injury. It's a dancer thing, we are used to having this pain in the body."

Giving an update on his condition, Vito continued: "I can move, I can walk but to go in and dance full on and lifting, and sharp twists of the body, it's better at the moment to have a little rest."

The star also assured viewers he'll return to the stage later this month when the tour reaches Sheffield on January 21.

He said: "It's better to dance from Sheffield, and I've got to do physio this week.

"I really want to be there, I'm jumping, dancing, inside!"

Turning to Sarah on the This Morning sofa, he added: "We're going to be back soon, and in the meantime you (Sarah) will have the best time in Birmingham."

Miranda actress Sarah was spotted at rehearsals last week with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, opera singer Wynne Evans, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, and Strictly pros Neil Jones and Karen Hauer.

The group looked delighted to catch up, sharing lots of laughter before heading inside to perfect their routines.

This year’s Strictly tour promises to be bigger and better than ever, with the stars set to perform live in arenas across the UK.

Fans can expect dazzling group dances, jaw-dropping performances, and plenty of backstage banter.

The 2024 show was won by Australian pro dancer Dianne Buswell and Scouse comedian Chris McCausland.

Fans might be disappointed the winners won't be dancing together on the tour, however they can see Chris in his own stand-up tour which kicks off this month.

The Strictly tour begins in Birmingham on January 17, with thousands of fans eager to see their favourite stars hit the stage.

NEW LINE-UP CLUE

Strictly fans got excited last month when the Christmas Special winner dropped a huge hint they may be one of the celebrities appearing on the show in 2025.

Drag queen Tayce and pro dance partner Kai Widdrington received tens across the board for their Cha Cha on the Strictly Christmas special.

The dance partners then appeared on Loose Women with Tayce dropping a huge hint they may be back for the 2025 show.

After confirming it was a bucket list moment in her career, the rapper and model was asked by Coleen Nolan if she would like to do the main show later this year.

She said: "Oh never say never baby! Yes! You never know. I might be there. I might not be.

"Who’s to know, who’s to say?"

The dance duo truly wowed the judges with their Cha-Cha on the night.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood praised their dance to 100 Degrees by Kylie and Dannii Minogue, saying it was ";absolutely fierce, serving realness, serving fab-u-lous".

Tayce battled it out for the trophy against celebs including Josh Widdicombe, Vogue Williams, Tamzin Outhwaite, Billy Monger and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Tayce shot to fame on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2021, reaching second place on the series.