Strictly Stars announced for live tour

The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour stars have been announced and include some firm-fan-favourites.

Angela Rippon, Ellie Leach, and Layton Williams, three fan-favorite contestants from the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing, have been announced as the first celebrities to join the Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour in 2024.

The trio, all still in the competition as the show heads into week eight, will kick off the much-anticipated tour in January, alongside other celebrities yet to be revealed.

Angela Rippon, who is partnered with Kai Widdrington on the BBC series, expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour, saying, "Having really challenged myself on the TV show over the last seven weeks, it’s going to be wonderful to continue the Strictly magic on the tour next year.

From hosting Come Dancing to performing for over 10,000 people at The O2 – I really will have completed the ultimate Strictly journey." The 79-year-old broadcaster previously hosted Strictly's predecessor, Come Dancing, from 1988 to 1999.

Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, who wowed the judges with her performance and topped the leaderboard last week, shared her enthusiasm, stating, "I said before that appearing on Strictly was a dream come true, and now I will get to be on the tour as well.

I can’t wait for January to experience it all over again – it’s going to be a blast."

The tour is set to travel to various cities across the UK, including Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, and Nottingham, giving fans the opportunity to witness the dance extravaganza in person.

With a stellar lineup of celebrity contestants and the return of judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, as well as Strictly: It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara as the host, the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour promises to be a spectacular and unforgettable event for dance enthusiasts and fans of the hit TV show.