Pete Wicks has declined to participate in the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing live tour due to prior work and filming commitments.
The former Towie star, 36, who has been a popular contestant on this year’s show, reportedly feels “gutted” about being unable to join his fellow dancers on the nationwide arena tour.
The reality TV personality made his unavailability clear from the start, but sources say he now regrets not having a clear schedule for the upcoming shows.
Wicks would have performed alongside his professional dance partner Jowita Przystał, entertaining audiences across the country.
The live tour is set to begin in Birmingham on January 17, concluding at London’s O2 Arena on February 9.
Former professional dancer Janette Manrara will host the series of shows.
The couple have made it into the semi-final this weekend
BBC Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal
The judging panel will feature Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke.
The confirmed line-up includes an array of stars, with actor Jamie Borthwick, opera singer Wynne Evans, and Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri set to perform.
They will be joined by JB Gill, Gladiators’ Montell Douglas, Coronation Street star Shayne Ward, and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland.
“Pete is gutted that he’s unable to commit to the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour,” an insider told MailOnline.
Fans have been left outraged with the dances for Pete’s semi-final
BBC
The source explained: “Pete made it clear from the beginning he wouldn’t be available for the shows in 2025 but now he feels regretful over not having a clear diary.
“His popularity among Strictly viewers is clear and he would have received such a positive reaction from audiences at the shows. He will certainly be there in spirit.”
The scheduling conflict stems from Wicks’ existing filming and work commitments planned for spring 2025.
Wicks is not the only star missing from the tour, as comedian Chris McCausland has also had to decline due to scheduling conflicts.
McCausland, who is partnered with Dianne Buswell on the show, has prior commitments to his UK comedy tour running from January 2025 until April 2026.
His representative told The Mirror: “Chris has already shifted the dates of his tour to do Strictly and that wasn’t an easy thing to do. There were a lot of disappointed people and it was stressful.”
“Everyone has been very straight about this all the way along the line. It’s a great shame, because he’d love to do the tour, but Chris is not available,” the spokesman added.
The Liverpudlian comedian has been tipped as one of the favourites to win this year’s BBC competition.
