Strictly professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin has been forced to pull out of the live arena tour at the last minute after testing positive for Covid.
After withdrawing prior to the Birmingham live date, the professional dancer, Tilly Ramsey, was announced on Instagram that she had partnered up with Tilly on Strictly’s latest series. She was then set to perform with Tilly on the national tour.
Fans were reassured by Nikita that he will be returning to tour “as soon as possible.”
Out: Strictly professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin has been forced to pull out of the live arena tour at the last minute after testing positive for Covid
He wrote, “So sad that I am missing a section of the Strictly Live Tour”, under photos of Tilly, himself, and some ungrumpy selfies.
“Lots and lots of luck to all Strictly Cast… Will be back as quickly as I can”
Nikita’s Strictly star co-stars offered their support in the comments. Tilly wrote: “Missing You” alongside a heart emoticon.
Nikita wasn’t at the photocall for Thursday afternoon. Tilly was forced to take solo photos while other celebs posed.
Tough: The professional dancer who partnered with Tilly Ramsay in the latest series of Strictly and was set to dance with her on the nationwide tour, shared the news on Instagram
Following the 2021 finalist AJ Odudu’s injury to the foot, that caused her early exit from the television series, the tour had to alter its roster.
Maisie Smith, EastEnders actress and 2020 series participant, was instead chosen to be Kai Widdrington’s partner in pro dancing.
John Whaite, Johannes Radebe and Rose Ayling Ellis will join them on the tour.
Missing You: Nikita’s Strictly stars offered their support in the comments. Tilly wrote: “Missing YOU” alongside a heart emoticon
Last minute change: Nikita was not at the tour’s photocall on Thursday afternoon, with Tilly forced to pose for solo pics while her fellow celebs parternered up
Aljaz and Sara Skorjanec as well as Rhys Stephenson, Nancy Xu are other performers on this year’s bill.
Strictly’s professional dancers, Amy Dowden and Neil Jones, Luba Muhtuk, Jowita Przystal, will perform with the couples at over 33 sequinspangled shows.
Janette Manrara hosts the tour, after Zoe Ball was replaced as It Takes Two’s host this year.
Craig Revel Horwood, who will choreograph the show and promise audiences an evening filled with glamour and excitement, will also be directing it.
Live shows will also be judge Bruno Tonioli’s long-anticipated return from Strictly. After missing the 2021 series, Tonioli appeared virtually during the 2020 seasons due to uncertainty regarding travel to the USA.
Tilly, the star cast of All Stars: Tilly took a photo in the centre of the cast for Thursday’s photocall. This was hours after her boyfriend quit the first few dates.