Strictly Come Dancing fans devastated after second star pulls out of live tour

Strictly Come Dancing fans have shared their disappointment after Vito Coppola announced that an injury is forcing him out of the remainder of the live tour.

The revelation followed his withdrawal from multiple arena shows earlier in the month, which saw Nikita Kuzmin fill in for him on those occasions.

On Instagram, this Wednesday (January 29), Vito touched hearts by posting a heartfelt video with his partner Sarah Hadland - lovingly nicknamed Trilly - as they triumphed in Liverpool.

"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 expressed.

Sarah Hadland and vito coppola dancing
Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola has pulled out of the live arena tour -Credit:PA

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Vito also shared his plan to cheer on Sarah from afar as she continues on tour and spoke of his intention to "take more care" of himself physically while he steps back from dance to recover.

He ended his emotional missive by thanking his supporters: "Thanks to you all, beautiful people, for the support, for the lovely messages, and for everything you constantly do for me. You make me feel loved and warmly welcomed," reports the Mirror.

Social media went abuzz with fan reactions, notably a heartfelt post that read: "Vito has had to pull out of the Strictly tour due to injury, and I am BEREFT."

Devastated viewers took to social media to express their disappointment, with one fan saying, "Vito confirming he's not doing any shows on Strictly tour what if I CRYYYY," and another shared their disbelief: "I can't believe I won't see you on Saturday Vito in Manchester. You are the reason I love Strictly so much and I was so excited to see you."

Strictly Come Dancing's Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Fans have shared their heartbreak after learning of Vito's injury -Credit:BBC

The sentiment was widespread, with another comment, "Gutted I didn't get to see you two perform together. Sending you all the love in the world and take care of yourself," as many others sent their best wishes.

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Vito's absence comes after Wynne Evans announced his removal from the tour following a controversial joke aimed at co-star Janette Manrara.

In his statement, Evans expressed remorse: "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."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer