Strictly fans fume as two finalists pull out of show: | UK News
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left fuming as two finalists pulled out of the upcoming live tour, which is able to see the 2025 contestants and their skilled companions dance their approach around the UK next 12 months. Neither Karen Carney or Amber Davies will likely be seen in next 12 months’s show, while Balvinder Sopal has also pulled out of showing.
Alex Kingston will also not be seen in the live tour next 12 months after making it to week 10 before she was pressured to depart due to injury. However, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, who left at the quarter-final, will seem in the tour, along with finalist George Clarke. Fans can also see Vicky Pattison, La Voix, Ellie Goldstein and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the upcoming tour line-up.
Amber is unavailable to star in the tour as she is instead showing in Legally Blonde: The Musical at the start of 2026. It means her professional associate Nikita Kuzmin will instead staff up with his 2023 celeb, Layton Williams.
Balvinder has to movie for BBC cleaning soap EastEnders so will likely be unable to journey around the nation for the tour.
George will miss 11 dates of the new tour due to prior commitments, while Lewis will miss eight.
Fans on Reddit weren’t comfortable about the news, with one fuming: “I know it’s a huge commitment for the celebs to do the tour. But three out of the four semi-finalists not being on it is pretty poor from the producers to be honest. I’d like to see something that says if you make the semi-finals then you need to do the tour.”
Another said: “I’m really happy for Nikita that Layton is doing around half the dates, they’ll both have a blast doing it. It’s a shame Karen couldn’t do any dates, but understandable they all have prior commitments.”
Someone else said: “Amber is completely fair, she joined the show with two days notice so it would be unrealistic to expect her to have a clear diary next summer!”
While another echoed: “Not surprised especially as the main show struggles to sign up celebs anyway.”
Stay up to date with the latest developments in UK showbiz! Our web site is your go-to source for cutting-edge movie star news, crimson carpet occasions, film premieres, and insights into the leisure industry. We present daily updates to guarantee you’ve access to the freshest data on upcoming releases, movie star interviews, fashion trends, and major bulletins.
Explore how these trends are shaping the future of leisure! Visit us often for the most participating and informative showbiz content by clicking right here. Our rigorously curated articles will keep you informed on award reveals, music releases, cultural occasions, and historic moments in the industry.



