Strictly's Stacey Dooley reveals her sadness as Kevin Clifton is replaced

Regular attendees of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour will have become used to seeing dancing favourite Kevin Clifton appearing on stage at arenas around the UK.

So it's likely that many will be disappointed to hear that he won't be joining his partner Stacey Dooley for the annual tour in 2019, which will begin in January.

Last night, the official Twitter account for the Strictly Live Tour revealed the first three celebrities confirmed to be hitting the road for the 29-date run.

Fan favourite Joe Sugg will be performing, alongside his current partner on the show Dianne Buswell, while Dr. Ranj, who recently left the programme, will also be uniting with his dancing pro Janette Manrara for the tour.

Stacey Dooley was also confirmed to be going on the Strictly tour - but unlike the others, she won't be joined by her current partner on the series, Kevin.

Instead, she'll be dancing with Aljaz Skorjanec, who has been partnered with newsreader Kate Silverton this year on Strictly.

Stacey has since revealed her sadness that Kevin won't be joining her on the tour, admitting she'll miss him. She said, "To go on tour and perform for the fans all over the UK is such an honour. I’m so excited! I'll miss Kev, but I'm looking forward to putting Aljaž through his paces!"

So why won't Kevin be on the Strictly tour? Well, it seems the popular pro already has some prior commitments, as he'll be starring on the touring production of Rock of Ages throughout January and February.

And in the early part of next year, he'll be returning to the popular live dance show Burn the Floor, which will also be visiting venues around the UK. He'll be joined by Strictly newbie, Graziano Di Prima.

Fans were understandably disappointed to hear that Kevin wouldn't be taking part in the Strictly live tour. One wrote on Twitter, 'Ooh ‘citing!! But no Kev?...gutted'.

While another agreed, saying, 'It will feel very odd not to see him on the Strictly tour'.

Stacey, Joe, and Dr. Ranj will also be joined by former Strictly winner Ore Oduba, who will host the live shows, and all four of the judges, Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.