BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR
The first three celebrities who will be joining 2023’s hotly-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing Live UK arena tour are announced today.Acto
r Will Mellor (Broadchurch, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps); Paralympic swimming champion and broadcaster Ellie Simmonds; and Kiss FM radio host, TV presenter and DJ Tyler West will be foxtrotting their way across the country for 31 sparkle-filled shows kicking off in January.
They will be joined on tour by Strictly TV judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke, who is appearing on the arena tour for the first time. The sensational Janette Manrara will host. Further casting announcements will be made soon.
Opening at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on 20 January, the scintillating live show will then waltz around the UK to some of the biggest entertainment venues: Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, Leeds’ First Direct Arena, the AO Arena Manchester, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, London’s O2 Arena, the SSE Arena Belfast, before culminating at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on 12 February.
Speaking about the upcoming tour, Will Mellor said: “Strictly has been one of the most memorable and emotional journeys I’ve ever been on!
“Stepping out of my comfort zone and being a part of this massive show is something I’ll never forget.
“I can’t wait to put on my dancing shoes and go around the country to perform on huge stages in front of thousands of people who have watched and supported us. Bring on the tour!!”
Ellie Simmonds said: “Strictly was a such an incredible life-changing and emotional experience for me – it gave me a huge confidence boost and the feeling that anything is possible! So to be able to continue my journey on the tour next year is going to be amazing. I can’t wait!”
Tyler West, whose time on the TV series came to an end at the weekend following a nail-biting dance-off, said: “I never realised how much dance would change my life but I can’t express how much I’ve loved it and fully embraced this opportunity to learn to dance with the best dance partner anyone could ask for in Dianne!
“I am so happy my Strictly journey isn’t over quite yet and I can’t wait to relive some of our favourite dances and live like a pop star on tour, performing for audiences each night! I am buzzing to get on the road with the gang.”
The Strictly Live Tour showcases all the breathtaking choreography, stunning costumes and fantastic live music synonymous with BBC One’s long-running and cherished Strictly Come Dancing TV show – which is currently on our screens, with the final due to take place in December.
The 2023 tour will be directed once again by the A-MAZ-ING Strictly TV Judge Craig Revel Horwood and will feature many of the celebrities and professional dancers from the current series of the multi-award-winning BBC One show, together with the Strictly Live Band – a great way to celebrate the 20th series of this entertainment phenomenon.Video Player00:0000:37
Audiences around the UK can experience everything they love about the TV show live on stage, getting the chance to not only watch the spectacular stars in action as they perform roof-raising routines but also the power to decide who wins the Glitterball Trophy at the end of each show. The tour judges will provide their invaluable wisdom, advice and scores at each performance, but the audience vote via text for their favourite couple, and it is ultimately their votes which decide who wins!
Each performance of the tour will host a British Sign Language interpreter, who will be displayed on two very large screens either side of the stage so that attendees can book tickets and sit almost anywhere in the arena to enjoy the experience with family and friends.
STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR 2023
20–22 January Birmingham Utilita Arena
(Friday 20th at 7.30pm, Saturday 21st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 22nd at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)
24-25 January Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
(Tuesday 24th at 7.30pm, Wednesday at 25th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)
26-27 January Leeds First Direct Arena
(Thursday 26th at 7.30pm, Friday 27th at 7.30pm)
28-29 January Manchester AO Arena
(Saturday 28th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 29th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)
31 January Sheffield Utilita Arena
(Tuesday 31st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)
01-02 February Newcastle Utilita Arena
(Wednesday 1st at 7.30pm, Thursday 2nd at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)
03-05 February London The O2 Arena
(Friday 3rd at 7.30pm, Saturday 4th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 5th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)
07-08 February Belfast SSE Arena
(Tuesday 7th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 8th at 2pm & 7.30pm)
10-12 February Glasgow OVO Hydro
(Friday 10th at 7.30pm, Saturday 11th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 12th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)
Tickets: £35 – £95 (bands differ between venues)
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
Twitter: @SCD_Live_Tour
Instagram: @Strictlycomedancinglive
Facebook: /strictlylive
