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Pete Wicks reportedly “respectfully declined” to appear in the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in 2025.
The former TOWIE star, 36, chose not to join the line-up due to “prior work and filming commitments,” MailOnline reported on Wednesday.
Another notable absentee from the tour is Wicks co-star Chris McCausland, 47, who pulled out due to the Strictly dates clashing with his comedy tour.
Stars who will perform on the UK tour include actor Jamie Borthwick, opera singer Wynne Evans, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, singer JB Gill, Gladiators’ Montell Douglas, soap star Shayne War, and Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
Wicks reportedly “regrets” having such a packed schedule as it means he cannot perform for audiences around the country with his dance partner Jowita Przystał.
“Pete is gutted that he's unable to commit to the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour,” an insider told MailOnline.
The source added: “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 tour begins in Birmingham on January 17 and concludes at London's O2 Arena on February 9.
Former professional dancer Janette Manrara will host the series of live dance shows, and Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke will make up the judging panel.
Wicks’ absence comes just weeks after McCausland announced he cannot join the Strictly tour due to his comedy tour around the UK from January 2025 until April 2026.
The Liverpudlian comedian, who is partnered with professional Dianne Buswell, has been tipped as one of the favourites to win the BBC competition this year.
His representative told The Mirror in late November: “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 - we got a lot of messages. So he couldn’t move them again, absolutely not.
“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.”
