Strictly Come Dancing professional Vito Coppola has departed the show’s tour following an injury.
The Italian dancer, 32, said he would be “cheering” on his 2024 Strictly partner Sarah Hadland, best known for comedy series Miranda, who has been dancing with Nikita Kuzmin during the tour.
It comes after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans left the series of arena shows, saying he was “deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused”, earlier this week.
This month, Coppola disclosed to ITV’s This Morning that he had “lower back pain”, and he can “walk” and move around, but “sharp” movements can be tricky so he needs to have physiotherapy, and take time off from the tour.
He wrote on Instagram on Wednesday, saying “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”.
“Let’s always see the glass half full and to stay, keep and spread positivity,” he added.
“We have closed the circle of our journey Trilly and I am glad that we have lifted the trophy together. Team Tiramisu for one last time
“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.
“I promised you that I will take more care of me and my body and I want you to promise me that you will always stay the same enthusiastic, super active, smiling and jumpy person I have met few months ago, before this incredible experience started… keep shining Trilly, you are full of life.
The Strictly winner also thanked the “beautiful people, for the support, for the lovely messages and for everything you constantly do for me”, and called Hadland a “beautiful person, an amazing woman and the best mom”.
He also said that his “recovery is going well and I am giving my best in order to be back soon and stronger”, and added that he will be presenting his dance class with Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas.
Hadland and he were finalists on the 2024 series, before losing to comedian Chris McCausland.
Coppola previously won in 2023 with former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach, before taking home the Celebrity MasterChef winner prize the following year.
The Mail On Sunday reported that Evans, known for the Go.Compare insurance advertisements, was heard making the remark to a woman in a video filmed during the tour launch on January 16.
Over the weekend, Evans apologised for an “inappropriate and unacceptable” remark made during the event.
On Wednesday, he said he “agreed with the BBC that I’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”.
“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,” he also said.
