Strictly Come Dancing fans will be thrilled to hear that the line-up of celebrities and their professional partners for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is announced: Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice; Sara Davies and Aljaž Skorjanec; Max George and Katya Jones; Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin; Maisie Smith and Kai Widdrington; Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu and John Whaite and Johannes Radebe will all hit the road from January 20th for 33 scintillating shows.
Professional dancers Amy Dowden, Neil Jones, Jake Leigh, Cameron Lombard, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal will be bringing even more wow to this super-sized dance extravaganza, which features live music from the Strictly singers and band.
The previously announced Live Tour judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli; together with new tour host Janette Manrara, make this a sparkling line-up not to be missed.
All 33 performances at this year’s tour will be signed by a registered British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter, making this the biggest ever BSL accessible arena tour in the UK. The interpreter will be displayed on two giant screens either side of the stage, so attendees can book tickets and sit almost anywhere in the arena to enjoy the experience with family and friends.
Rose Ayling-Ellis said: “I have loved every minute of my Strictly journey so far, so to be able to continue it on the live tour this year is so exciting! I can’t wait to perform live in front of all the fans who have supported me through this incredible series. And I’m delighted that every performance of the tour will be signed by a BSL interpreter and put on to the screens so the whole audience will be able to see it. With 33 shows across the country, I really hope this news encourages more deaf people of all ages to come and enjoy the show.”
Sara Davies said: “I loved my Strictly experience – it was my absolute dream to take part in and, as viewers saw, I wasn’t quite ready for it to end. Going on tour will give me the chance to dance with Aljaž again – who has told me what an amazing experience it is. To meet the fans and perform in from of a live audience – will be the icing on the cake for me – I can’t wait!”
Max George said: “I’m buzzing to be invited to join the Strictly tour. I know how exciting it is to perform in front the huge arena audiences – it’s incredible. And this time I get to dance with Katya (who’s a fave of mine) – it’s gonna be sick!!!”
Tilly Ramsay said: “Taking part in Strictly last year was the best! A life changing experience where I learnt to dance and made friends for life. I’m so excited to now have the opportunity to be a part of the Strictly tour. I’m going to take all the fun from the TV studio to the venues around the country and I can’t wait to dance with a real live audience! See you there!”
Maisie Smith said: ”I’m thrilled to be asked to restart my Strictly journey in this year’s arena tour. Kai and I will be dancing the Quickstep and the Samba – I can’t wait. It will be a joy to dance with everyone and so great to see my EastEnders friend Rose again.“
Rhys Stephenson said: “I cannot think of a better way to start the New Year! It will be fantastic to get my dancing shoes back on after Christmas and perform live in all those iconic venues.”
John Whaite said: “I’m so excited to continue this sparkling journey with Johannes on the Strictly tour! More sheer tops, more spray tans and more tight trousers? YES PLEASE!”
STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR 2022
20–23 January Birmingham Utilita Arena
(Thursday 20th at 7.30pm, Friday 21st at 7.30pm, Saturday 22nd at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 23rd at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)
25-26 January Leeds First Direct Arena
(Tuesday 25th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 26th at 7.30pm)
27-28 January Newcastle Utilita Arena
(Thursday 27th at 7.30pm, Friday 28th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)
29-30 January Manchester AO Arena
(Saturday 29th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 30th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)
01-02 February Sheffield Utilita Arena
(Tuesday 1st at 7.30pm, Wednesday 2nd at 7.30pm)
03-04 February Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
(Thursday 3rd at 7.30pm, Friday 4th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)
05-07 February Glasgow The OVO Hydro
(Saturday 5th at 3.00pm & 8.00pm, Sunday 6th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm, Monday 7th at 7.30pm)
09-10 February Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
(Wednesday 9th at 7.30pm, Thursday 10th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)
11-13 February London The O2 Arena
(Friday 11th at 7.30pm, Saturday 12th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 13th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)
Tickets: £35 – £95 (price bands vary at each venue)
All ticket prices are subject to a booking fee and may be subject to a venue facility fee
For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.strictlycomedancinglive.com
STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR is produced by Stage Entertainment UK and Phil McIntyre Live, in association with BBC Studios.
Image credits: Dave Hogan