Fans slam BBC as Mollie King is excluded from 2018 Strictly Come Dancing tour line-up

The Saturdays singer will not be joining partner AJ on the tour 
Partners: AJ and King made it to the semi-finals
PA
Safeeyah Kazi15 December 2017
The Weekender

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Fans have hit out at the BBC after it was revealed that Mollie King will not be taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing 2018 tour, despite making it to the semi-finals.

Neither the BBC nor the Saturdays singer have explained why she won’t be taking part in the annual live tour alongside dance partner AJ Pritchard, leaving fans confused.

Ahead of this weekend’s final, the line-up for the dazzling tour was announced but the semi-final couple were missing from the run-down.

The pop star caused even more confusion by cryptically liking fan tweets expressing fury over her exclusion:

Other fans threatened to snub the tour in response to their disappointment:

Further mystery brimmed as the 30-year-old’s dance partner and rumoured boyfriend AJ confirmed that he will be there without her.

Speaking to OK! Magazine, the 23-year-old said: “I’m going to be on the tour, but Mollie isn’t unfortunately.

Emotional: AJ Pritchard and Mollie King
BBC/Guy Levy

"I believe I’m just going to be doing some dancing with my professional partner Chloe.

“We haven’t really spoken about it, but I’m really excited to be travelling the country, and performing in these fantastic areas."

He also reportedly insisted that he doesn't know why she won't be there.

The couples confirmed for the tour are Gemma Atkinson and Aljaž Skorjanec, Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez, Susan Calman and Kevin Clifton, Davood Ghadami and Nadiya Bychkova, Joe McFadden and Katya Jones, Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice and Jonnie Peacock and Oti Mabuse.

A spokesperson for the Strictly tour said: "We take a limited number of couples on the UK tour, so unfortunately not everyone from the television series can appear."

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 - In pictures

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Standard Online has contacted King’s representatives for a comment.

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