BBC Strictly tour dealt fresh blow as another star QUITS amid Wynne Evans ‘sexual’ comment scandal
Strictly Come Dancing professional Vito Coppola has announced his withdrawal from the remainder of the live tour after performing just one show with partner Sarah Hadland in Newcastle.
The Italian dancer, who had already missed the tour’s opening dates in Birmingham due to injury, made a brief return to the stage at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena where the pair were crowned the night’s champions.
Fellow professional Nikita Kuzmin will continue to partner Hadland for the remaining tour dates, having stepped in during Vito’s absence in Birmingham, Sheffield, and Liverpool.
The announcement came as Coppola continues to recover from a back injury that has prevented him from performing full routines.
His announcement to leave the tour comes just days after Wynne Evans decided to step back following “inappropriate” sexual comments targeted at live tour host, Janette Manrara.
Taking to Instagram, Coppola shared footage of his final performance with Hadland, who he affectionately calls “Trilly”, alongside an emotional message.
“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 wrote.
The dancer vowed to continue supporting his partner, adding: “I will keep following you and cheering for you, as always and I will come to watch the show every single time I can, so don’t worry, you won’t get rid of me.”
Hadland was quick to respond to Coppola’s announcement with a simple but heartfelt “Love you Vito” in the comments section.
Fans expressed their disappointment across social media, with many sharing messages of support for the injured dancer.
“Oh Vito, me and my two boys are so gutted we won’t see you dance in Manchester at the weekend, but it’s more important to us you fully recover,” wrote one fan.
Another supporter commented: “My heart is genuinely shattered not having my favourite dancer there on Saturday.”
“Your health is more important. Look after yourself,” added a third who had hoped to see him perform in Liverpool.
Coppola’s exit from the tour comes at a time of turmoil for Strictly bosses following the latest scandal involving the aforementioned Evans.
Evans released a statement on Tuesday confirming his decision to step back from the tour and his BBC Radio Wales show after footage of him emerged making a lewd sexual joke during the tour’s photocall.
The 53-year-old said: “I’ve agreed with the BBC that l’ll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing.
“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.”
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Evans has received support from dance partner Katya Jones who pleaded with fans to show “humanity” towards the Go Compare star.
His brother has also put on a defiant show of support, launching a petition to ask for the media to report “fairly” on his sibling.
However, Evans has also come under fire from critics for his remarks, including ITV talk show host, Lorraine Kelly.
Kelly branded Evans a “nutter” and “clown” for his comments as she delivered her take on the saga on Wednesday morning.