BBC breaks silence on decision to axe Strictly pro tour as it shares real reason for hiatus: ‘Taking a break’
Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed the beloved Professional’s Tour is “taking a break” and will not be hitting the road next year due to “artist availability”.
The tour – which is loved by long-term fans of the series – typically launches in spring following the conclusion of the Strictly Live! tour, and sees 12 of the professional dancers from the show come together for a night of glitz and glamour.
Reports claimed that the BBC was keen to draw a line under the ongoing scandal which was kickstarted by Sherlock star Amanda Abbington after she claimed Giovanni Pernice was “bullying” her during their time together – something he continues to deny.
Shortly after his departure, Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show after an insider claimed they saw the professional “kick, hit and spit” at partner Zara McDermott – the 30-year-old admitted to kicking the Love Island star.
Ahead of the launch of the 20th series which begins Saturday, September 14, GB News contacted the BBC regarding the reports of the tour being axed.
A spokesperson confirmed: “Due to artist availability, the UK tour of Strictly The Professionals is taking a break next year.
“Plans are currently being finalised for 2026. Tickets for the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will be on sale soon and booking information will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Amid the controversy, the BBC announced that it was introducing “additional steps to strengthen welfare and support” on the show, which will now include having a production team member present in training room rehearsals “at all times”.
Taking part in the show this year are DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, Olympic hockey champion Sam Quek, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, Gladiators star Montell Douglas, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, and Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
Alongside them is Singer Shayne Ward, The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks, TV doctor Punam Krishan, Singer Toyah Willcox, Singer Wynne Evans, JLS star JB Gill, and Comedian Chris McCausland.
During Saturday’s upcoming launch, fans will finally find out which professional dancer the celebrities have been paired with.
However, some have already claimed they know who is with who.
It is thought that Knowles will be paired with Nadiya Bychkova – who missed out on a partner last year – after the duo were spotted filming together at a London shopping centre.
McCausland dropped a small hint on his X account after a gruelling day of rehearsals and penned: “First day done. I feel broken already #Strictly,” leaving one fan to teas: “And that’s just the spray tan. I really want to know who your partner is.”
The comedian revealed: “I’ll give you a clue, it’s a girly.”
Katya Jones also seems to have slipped up and accidentally revealed that she is partnered with Evans after Reddit users discovered her Spotify profile and noticed a playlist that appears to have been named after the singer.
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Whilst the playlist – titled “Wynnne” – only offered just one song, Dancing on the Ceiling by Lionel Richie, many were quick to assume it meant they were paired together and it would be their first dance together.
“Now that’s some grade A sleuthing,” one fan replied to the original poster while a second echoed: “Poirot doesn’t have a patch on reality TV fans.” (sic)
