Strictly live tour 2022: AJ Odudu replaced by Eastenders star Maisie Smith for Sheffield Utilita Arena shows

Maisie, who will dance with Strictly pro Kai Widdrington, will replace AJ Odudu, who has had to withdraw from the tour on medical advice following an injury to her foot last December. AJ and Kai also missed the show’s final because of the TV presenter’s injury.

Maisie said: “I’m thrilled to be asked to restart my Strictly journey on this year’s arena tour. Kai and I will be dancing the quickstep and the samba – I can’t wait for rehearsals to start next week.

“It will be a joy to dance with everyone and so great to see my EastEnders friend Rose again. I wish AJ a speedy recovery.”

AJ said: “I’m devastated not to be able to take part in the Strictly tour due to injury. I had hoped for one last dance with Kai but I must obviously follow the medical advice.

"I wish my Strictly family the very best of luck on the road and I’ll definitely be there to cheer them on.”

Maisie and Kai will join Strictly 2021 winners Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice, alongside Sara Davies and Aljaž Skorjanec, Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin, Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu, John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, and Max George and Katya Jones.

Sheffield TV presenter Dan Walker decided not to join the tour.