Nikita Kuzmin has pulled out of the initial dates on the Strictly Come Dancing Live! tour after testing positive for coronavirus.

The tour got underway in Birmingham on Thursday night and will travel around the UK in the coming weeks, finishing up in London on February 13.

Kuzmin, 24, joined Strictly last year and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his partnership with Tilly Ramsay and was due to appear on all dates of the live tour.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, however, he wrote: "So sad to be missing a portion of the Strictly Live Tour, but unfortunately I tested Positive for COVID-19.

"Lots of luck to all the amazing Strictly Cast❤️ Will be back as soon as I can :)"

Assuming Kuzmin overcomes coronavirus quickly, he could in theory rejoin the tour when it arrives in Newcastle next week.