Strictly Come Dancing bosses have rubbished claims the live UK tour was thrown into chaos after professional dancer Johannes Radebe missed key sessions due to a visa issue.
Johannes joined the BBC ballroom TV show for the 2018 series and once the show wrapped he made a trip home to South Africa.
However, it was reported that a problem with his visa meant that he has been absent for many of the practice sessions ahead of the start of the tour, which kicks off in Birmingham on Friday.
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Johannes got back to Britain last Wednesday (09.01.19) and it was said that extra rehearsals were scheduled for the weekend so he could catch up on the choreography.
Speaking to The Sun’s TV Bizarre column, a source said: “The dancers on the show were furious as his failure to turn up on time put everything behind.
“The fact some of them had to rearrange their social plans left them furious.
“Everyone has been moaning about how chaotic this year’s rehearsals have felt and the dancers are laying all of the blame at Johannes’ door.”
However, a representative for the show told ED! that the reports are “nonsense”.
The tour features a host of celebrities from the most recent series taking to the ballroom, including glitterball trophy winner Stacey Dooley and fellow contestants Dr. Ranj Singh, Lauren Steadman, Joe Sugg, Graeme Swann, Ashley Roberts and Faye Tozer.
And on Monday (14.01.19) Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice revealed he will be dancing with his celebrity partner, Steps singer Faye, and Pussycat Dolls star Ashley, whom he is dating after getting close to the blonde beauty behind the scenes on the last series.
He said on Lorraine: “It’s different, I’m dancing with Faye and with Ashley – it’s different.”
Read more: AJ Pritchard confirms he is doing the Strictly tour
Meanwhile, earlier this month, pro dancer AJ Pritchard confirmed he will be going on the Strictly tour despite claims he’s hired a bodyguard as he fears for his safety.
AJ and his brother Curtis were attacked in a nightclub by eight men on Boxing Day.
During an appearance on BBC Breakfast, AJ said: “The support has been overwhelming. Yes, I will be going on tour, and I have my own tour.
“The fans have been what have helped us throughout. It makes you scared and anxious. I am sure I will be fine soon.”
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