BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Nikita Kuzmin says 'finally' as he makes 'trio' after 'replacement' news

Nikita Kuzmin has said 'finally' as he made a new Strictly Come Dancing 'trio' as his position on the hit dance show's latest tour was confirmed.

Nikita, who was paired with hockey star Sam Quek during the BBC One dance contest's 2024 series, was always set to be on Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2025 as one of the ensemble dancers.

But has since found himself front and centre as he filled in for co-star Vito Coppola and partnered Sarah Hadland while the Italian dancer was left out through injury. The pair have proven popular with audiences, having been chosen as the Glitterball winners at a few of the shows, which kicked off on January 17, so far.

Now though, Nikita is set to continue as Sarah's dance partner after Vito confirmed he wouldn't be able to return as he continues to recover from his injury, thought to be to his back.

Despite returning for one show, which saw him and Sarah lift the Glitterball trophy after being flooded with votes from the live audience in the arena in Newcastle, Vito has confirmed he won't be able to return to the tour as she shared a video of his last moment back performing with Sarah, who he nicknamed Trilly.

He emotionally shared on Instagram: "This is the way I would like to remember this tour Trilly. Even though I won’t be able to be with you on the Strictly Arena Tour, we had the chance to dance one more time together and it has been as always super beautiful and memorable.

"Let’s always see the glass half full and to stay, keep and spread positivity. We have closed the circle of our journey Trilly and I am glad that we have lifted the trophy together. Team Tiramisu for one last time. I will keep following you and cheering for you, as always and I will come to watch the show every single time I can, so don’t worry, you won’t get rid of me."

Amid Vito's announcement, Nikita shared a sweet drawing from a fan which depicted Sarah, Vito and Nikita and declared love for the trio. Resharing the post, the dancer said: "Finally we are a trio [red heart emoji]."

He then shared a video of Sarah with another fan poster, this time showing support for her and Nikita on one side and Montell Douglas and Kai Widdrington on the other. As she flipped it around to show either side, Nikita said: "Wait till you see @vitocoppola underneath 'Nikita' just in case lol hahah."

The news also came as Sarah and Vito were chosen as the winners during a second night in Liverpool on Wednesday night (January 29). A post on Strictly Live's Instagram page said: "They’re not in the background copying Craig’s Charleston tonight, @hadderstime and @nikita__kuzmin are front and centre lifting the final glitterball in Liverpool!"

Sarah then replied: "Thank you so much Liverpool," and fans were equally thrilled. @castle_skyla_ said: "Ah @hadderstime you are the sweetest. So deserved. Congratulations!!" @sarahandvito commented: "Yayyyyy!!!!! Congratulations Sarah and Nikita!, Truly deserved!, So proud of you both! TeamSarkita."

@runnikrun wrote: "Absolutely amazing, you guys were fantastic tonight!" @kazbook.777 replied: "This is fantastic, you are both amazing! Congratulations Sarah and Nikita!" @sarahhadlandfanpage added: "Huge congratulations @hadderstime and @nikita__kuzmin, So deserved! #TeamSarkita."