STRICTLY TOUR AXED New Strictly blow as ‘H๏τbed of drinking and fun’ pro tour axed after Graziano, Giovanni and Aljaz scandals
STRICTLY’S The Professionals tour has been axed amid the probe into alleged misconduct by star dancers on the TV show.
The verdict of the internal investigation is due to be published within days.
And a source who worked on the live stage productions said the tour was cancelled after the allegations, which include workplace bullying.
The insider said: “Strictly is trying to rebuild as a brand and The Professionals tour was known as a H๏τbed of drinking and fun.
“The pro dancers work hard and play hard but with everything that’s happened recently, it seems axing it eliminates the chance of any further issues.
“The people who usually work on The Professionals tour have been told it’s cancelled.”
Dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, who both left Strictly this year following accusations over their conduct, have appeared on The Professionals tour.
Put on by BBC Studios, it is choreographed by Strictly’s creative director Jason Gilkison and has also featured pros including Nadiya Bychkova, Vitto Coppola, Katya Jones and Luba Mushtuck.
It started in 2010 and takes place over spring and summer after the Strictly Live! tour, which features the pros and their celeb partners.
Last year, The Professionals shows featured 12 dancers for the first time, including Giovanni.
He denies allegations he bullied his ex-celebrity partner Amanda Abbington and quit Strictly in May.
On Monday, The Sun revealed returning pro dancer Aljaž Škorjanec had left the BBC show following an incident with a female dancer on the 2022 Live! tour.
He announced he was leaving Strictly a month after that tour finished.
But he has now returned for the upcoming series of Strictly and has been paired with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.
Insiders said they were baffled as to why Aljaž had been invited back.
They added: “Execs would have to be living in a cave not to have heard the rumours.”
A representative for Aljaž insisted he had done nothing wrong and told The Sun: “Aljaž has the utmost respect for everyone working on the show and it is untrue to say he was forced out or acted in an aggressive manner at any time.”
A spokesperson said: “Due to artist availability, the UK tour of Strictly The Professionals is taking a break next year, and plans are currently being finalised for 2026.
“Tickets for the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will be on sale soon and booking information will be announced in the coming weeks.”
