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Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour Birmingham review - all scores and surprise opening night winner

I 'm writing this having just got home from the opening night of Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2024 - and honestly, what a night. It was fab-u-lous dahling, exquisite, exceptional! How many Strictly-type comments can I fit in the first few sentences?

It really was just, breathtaking. Now, I am a top Strictly fan. I adore it - and I'm always excited for the live tour. It's such a pick-me-up in January isn't it?

But I do try to watch with a critical eye - think about how it could be better, make sure our readers get an honest review. But truthfully, I'll say this. If you enjoy watching BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, you will really love the live tour 2024. It's a whole other atmosphere. Full of glitz, glam, fireworks, sparkle, energy and laughter. It's really worth going along to. Tickets start from around £34 too so it's not as expensive as some other big shows.

Read more: I went behind the scenes at Strictly and I don't think it's Dianne that Bobby Brazier is in love with

The opening night at Utilita Arena in Birmingham was amazing - I had a smile on my face the entire night. The Arena was packed with 8,000 people, not an empty seat in sight.

It was an incredible atmosphere from the start, as host Janette Manrara welcomed the huge crowd. She said: "Birmingham it is so nice to see you all and thank you for coming to see us. It's going to be a good one I can feel it!"

The stars, pros and judges were welcomed onto the stage with all the flamboyance of our favourite Strictly TV show. This year the couples were Ellie and Vito (our series champions), Layton and Nikita, Bobby and Dianne, Angela and Carlos, Angela and Kai, Krishnan and Jowita, and Annabelle and Graziano. Judges were Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.

Here's how the night went, including scores for each dance, judges comments and who the overall winner was...

Krishnan and Jowita

Dance 1 - Cha cha cha

Krishnan danced with Lauren in the TV version of Strictly but was paired with Jowita for the live show, as Lauren could not attend. Their first dance was cha cha cha to Boom Shaka Laka - a fan favourite!

It was the ideal routine for an opening number - providing much fun and colour to get the audience going. Shirley commented: "Every time I see youon the news now I’m like boom shaka laka. Your hips are on fire!”

Anton added: "It was marvellous. What a lovely way to start the evening." And Craig said (to much booing): "Watching that is like watching the last man standing at a wedding. With too much alcohol."

Krishnan was scored 22 out of 30 for his first dance. 5 from Craig, 8 from Shirley, and 9 from Anton.

Dance 2 - Quickstep

Anton said: "I love a quickstep in tails - this is you all over. Good number." Craig set the audience off again by saying: "It lacked swing."

And Shirley sweetly added: " I heard some gossip backstage that when you came off after the first number you teared up a bit as you so love being here. The pure joy of watching this is that it shows you can do it too - well done."

He was scored 23 out of 30 for his second dance. Craig 6, Shirley 8 and Anton 9.

Overall score - 45/60

Angela and Carlos

Dance 1 - Charleston

Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu delighted the audience with their wonderful Charleston, the second number for the evening. The judges were full of praise for the routine with Anton saying: "I love this number. You were so brilliant. It was my favourite number of the whole series last year."

Craig said it was a 'great routine' and added: "You are a brilliant dancer." And Shirley said: "The precision between the two of you is exquisite. You are a very unique team, I really enjoyed it."

Angela scored a 9 from Craig, 9 from Shirley and a 10 from Anton - making a score of 28/30.

Dance 2 - Argentine tango

Angela and Carlos' Argentine tango was stunning - just mesmerising. I'd forgotten just how good it was from the show.

Craig said: "It was intense, it was focussed, it was brilliantly danced - well done." Shirley added: "It was the ultimate performance. The precision, the beauty - so calm, so focussed."

And Anton added, to much laughter: "I know I said your Charleston was my favourite dance - I was just being nice - this is my favourite dance of the whole series. I love your legs."

The pair were scored 9 from Craig, and 10 each from Shirley and Anton giving them 29/30.

Overall score - 57/60

Layton and Nikita

Dance 1 - Quickstep

It was quickly clear Layton and Nikita were very popular. VERY. To be honest though, I was screaming when they walked on too.

They started with their quickstep, and Craig said: "Layton darling that was almost butch. Absolutely phenomenal." Shirley said: "Mr Dancer Extraordinaire in every possible way." While Anton added: "It's just tremendous, I love it."

The duo scored a perfect 30./30.

Dance 2 - Paso

The crowd absolutely brought the house down with this one (me included). This Moulin Rouge paso (one of my absolute favourites) was just phenomenal. Shirley said: "Superb Paso shapes. Your footwork is off the chat." And Anton added: "It's so good, for once can't you go a bit wrong? You're just brilliant."

Craig said: "As they said in that movie, spectacular, spectacular, spectacular!"

They scored another perfect 30.

Overall score 60/60

A quick note mid-review - the judges scoring is for guidance only and has no impact on who wins the live tour. The audience alone has control over that!

Angela and Kai

Dance 1 - Argentine tango

Angela Rippon and her partner Kai impressed 8,000 (and then some) people in one swoop with Angela's incredible leg action.

Shirley said: "I wasn't expecting that. You're so cool, calm and collected, with your leg up there too!" Anton said: "Magical, so exquisite. I wish I had danced with you."

And Craig said: "I loved it. It had control. I know how passionate you are about this dance - and that shows."

Craig scored her 8, Shirley 9 and Anton 10 - giving a score of 27/30.

Dance 2 - Cha cha cha

Angela and Kai charmed with their cha cha cha, but the audience (and judges) were only waiting for one thing.

Anton said, to huge laughter from the crowd: "Watching you do that and waiting for the leg is like watching Dirty Dancing and waiting for the lift. It’s like we’re watching the dance but no one is really interested. Cha cha is lovely but we’re waiting for the leg!"

Craig also got a giggle and said: "When I first saw the leg I thought it was false. It was sharp and it was clean." And Shirley said: "The rest of you is absolutely coordinated. How do you do it? I want to be just like you."

Craig scored 7 for the second dance, Shirley 8 and Anton 9 totalling 24/30.

Overall score: 51/60

Bobby and Dianne

Dance 1 - Samba

Bobby Brazier and his partner Dianne had some wonderful energy. Bobby ran onto the stage and did an entire lap of it before even starting any dancing! Their dance was a great burst of life - the crowd loved it.

Commenting after the dance Anton said: "It was extraordinary- your mesmerising hip action!" And Craig said: "Lovely bounce action - clean footwork. Hips are hiptastic!"

Shirley added: "I have never ever in my years of dancing seen someone who can move their body like you. It makes the samba so thrilling Bobby."

Bobby thanked Birmingham for 'making his dreams come true'. Craig scored him 8, Shirley 9 and Anton 9.

Dance 2 - Viennese Waltz

This was so wonderful, smooth and graceful to watch. I really loved it. Craig said: "It had flow, elegance, grace, warmth, something I know nothing about. I loved it."

Shirley added: "You’ll always be my king of ballroom. Anton step aside for a moment. I'm so proud of your Strictly journey." And Anton added: You are tremendous as a ballroom dancer, well done you."

Craig scored it 8, Shirley 8 and Anton 10 - totalling 26/30.

Overall score 52/60.

Annabelle and Graziano

Dance 1 - American smooth

This was a beautiful dance, to a beautiful song too. A huge shout out to the incredible Strictly band led by Allan Rogers and the live singers too. You were all fantastic!

Craig said: "Your shoulder needs to be down darling - that’s the only thing that ruined it. I think you’re fantastic, well done." Shirley said: "Extremely well poised - the best footwork I’ve seen."

And Anton added: "I thought you were elegant - your footwork is gorgeous - the loveliest of all the ballroom dancers."

Craig scored 8, Shirley 9 and Anton 10 - totalling 27/30.

Dance 2 - Samba

Annabelle danced with Johannes in the TV series, but was with Graziano for the live show. We missed JoJo, but the two made a lovely live pairing.

Speaking about their Samba, Shirley said: "You embody the spirit of the samba for sure - you brought the whole samba to life." Anton called it 'exquisite and extraordinary' and Craig said: "I love this dance as it’s the first time we saw you unleash your wild side."

She scored an 8 from Craig, 8 from Shirley and a 9 from Anton totalling 25/30.

Overall score - 52/60

Ellie and Vito

Dance 1 - Paso

Time for our series champions! Ellie and Vito won Strictly Come Dancing 2023, but would they win the 2024 live tour in Birmingham on Friday, January 19?

Their paso was stunning, full of fire and power. Shirley said: "That was absolutely phenomenal - like you’ve eaten a technique book. I applaud you."

Anton said: "I love it. It’s the way you drive across the floor with such fierce determination. Ooh marvellous." And Craig added: "The power and drama in that was brilliant."

They scored 9 from Craig, 10 from Shirley and 10 from Anton - totalling 29/30.

Dance 2 - American smooth

This was the dance some may say won them the glitterball in December 2023 - Ellie admitted it's her favourite routine too. It's true ballroom - and so gorgeous. Shirley said: "It's the Rolls Royce of American smooth - exquisitely danced."

Anton added: "I loved that! I felt like I was doing it all - go on girl. You’re one of the finest winners of Strictly." Craig simply said: "Ah-may-zing."

The pair scored a perfect 30 for their American smooth.

Overall score 59/60.

What else happened?

In between each couple's routines, there were some brilliant numbers from the Strictly pros, including their popular Barbie-themed dance - and an absolutely EPIC finale which you need to see to really believe. It was fantastic - my highlight of the night.

And the WINNER, of the opening night of Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour on Friday, January 19 at Utilita Arena in Birmingham was.....

Layton and Nikita!

The Arena erupted - the audience had picked their favourite through text voting throughout the night - and they had chosen Layton. Shocked, he said to the crowds: "Thank you Birmingham! I didn’t expect this at all!"

I voted for Layton - twice! Texts cost 25p each, so I'm glad my 50p paid off.

Strictly The Live Tour was a fantastic night - if you fancy a bit of sparkle in your life and fancy booking tickets, have a look on Ticketmaster as there's still some left for the rest of the tour.

And as always, keeeeeep dancing!

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour: I saw The O2 show as someone who isn't a big fan and Helen Skelton was breathtaking

Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour is now at London's O2 Arena and there's tickets left

• 12:22, 4 FEB 2023
• Updated 09:36, 6 FEB 2023

Strictly's popular live tour has finally arrived in London with all its sequins, glitter and camp, family-friendly humour. Admittedly, I don't really watch the beloved show. I keep up with the gossip, I see the highlights, it's just that I never really sit and watch an episode in full.

But, really, it's a show I should enjoy. I love dancing, I adore theatre and I can't keep away from sparkles. Plus there's the added joy I find in secretly hoping celebrities are really bad at something and getting to watch them progress. So with the invite to watch this special arena-touring version of the BBC dance contest, I was quite excited to get my first real Strictly experience.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour arrived in London at The O2 Arena last night, Friday, February 3 and is on all weekend with four performances. The shows feature incredible production, plenty of audience interaction and dances that (as everyone seemed to chant along) were FAB-U-LOUS. You can get your hands on tickets here.

READ MORE: Londoners' last chance to see Only Fools and Horses in the West End before it heads on tour

There was an absolute buzz as soon as we took to our seats, this wasn't a chilled little Friday night out, this was a big night out for fans. Everyone around us chatted away about the dances they were hoping to see, reminiscing on their favourite memories of the series and admiring other audience members' sequinned frocks.

Unsurprisingly, the demographic was pretty clear; many older women, older couples, families with young kids - not exactly a large number of other twenty somethings here on a Friday night. But it didn't matter. We were welcomed by the ladies next to us, telling me just how much they love Strictly.

And they weren't disappointed. In fact, neither was I - I was impressed. Each celebrity and their professional partner perform two of their best dances from the series, receiving a score from the judges and plenty of applause from the crowd. I was sad to hear one of my own personal favourites, Fleur East, was unable to perform but all of the routines truly are fantastic. From the American Smooth to the Jive, each one is a production within itself and enjoyable from every angle of the audience.

The tour staging really is just like being in the TV filming studio but bigger. Everything is bigger. The floor of the arena is transformed into a stretching shiny dance floor, with a raised section in the middle that copied the familiar ballroom set-up. At the back sits the wonderful live band and three judges; Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood.

A small number of the celebrities' routines felt like they weren't quite big enough to fill such a huge space but the addition of extra pro-dancers in some numbers helped the majority to really wow us.

I absolutely loved seeing Helen Skelton's much-talked about performance of Mein Herr live. Partnered for the tour with Kai Widdrington, she truly is a power house on the dancefloor and someone I've continued to admire in adulthood since writing her Blue Peter fan letters as a child. Of course, Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal absolutely blew me away too - he is undeniably deserving of his champion status. It was like watching two professionals as we all gasped and wooped at his lifts and perfect steps.

But nothing really has the arena buzzing more than the big, group dances. The professionals' energy is electric as they bring magical and magnificent moves with the crowd engulfed in disco ball lighting, lit up by pyrotechnics and touched by emotive elegance. By the end, everyone is on their feet too, dancing along to the final up-beat number.

Praise has to be given to Craig of course, who is not only the love-to-hate judge with pantomime villain energy but also the director of the tour. And the whole thing would not be complete without the friendly hosting of Janette Manrara and the exquisite vocals of the four singers - who deserve a little more credit throughout the show.

The judges and Janette are professionals themselves at working the crowd. From perfect puns to the Strictly gags the fans around us seemed to find truly hilarious, the panel know exactly what to do. They have the audience chanting along at the right times, always calling out to them and getting them involved.

But there is one key bit of involvement I found unfair. If you're paying to come along to this show you're expecting the full experience, yet you don't quite get it.

After the first half, the audience is invited to vote for their favourite couple of the show but they have to pay to do so. Sure, it's only a 25p charge to text for your winner but I just assumed there would have been some form of voting system included. However, it doesn't seem to be that much of a problem for the Strictly lovers in the arena as they are all quick to vote.

Unsurprisingly after the consistent cheers and pretty decent moves from them, Helen and Kai were the winners of our night, lifting the glitterball to the roar of a loving audience.

Even without being a huge Strictly fan, there's no denying this is a truly entertaining show - a properly fun night out. I did feel as though I was at a scaled-up version of sitting in the TV studio audience so maybe I'll actually give the next series a proper go. I loved the energy, the spectacle and the shared enjoyment throughout the crowd. Everyone was there to have a good time and it's exactly what they got. Grab yourself a ticket before it's over this weekend and get your fill of sparkles, show-stopping routines and sheer fabulous-ness. Even Craig would give this show a nine, at least.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour is now running at The O2 Arena. Performances are at 2:30pm and 7:30pm on Saturday February 4 and 1:30pm and 6:30pm on Sunday February 5. You can purchase tickets here.

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Strictly Live Tour review — glitz, glamour and Angela Rippon too

Challenge yourself with today’s puzzles.

★★★★☆ The fans — approximately 8,000 of them — were out in force for the opening night of the latest touring edition of the BBC’s hugely popular dance competition. Directed by Craig Revel Horwood, the Cruella de Vil of the judging panel, the live extravaganza is like being inside a gigantic glitter ball. This is comforting light entertainment on a grand scale. The glitz! The glamour! And the campy humour, much of it pinned to the personalities of the judges and the couples — one a celebrity, the other a professional dancer — whose performances they assess and numerically rate.

But it is the public whose votes, tabulated via text, determine who will take the trophy at each show. One of the most heartening aspects

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach shouts 'love you' after spotting a very familiar face in the crowd at Liverpool tour

The Strictly Come Dancing stars united in Liverpool

• 10:27, 31 JAN 2024
• Updated 14:55, 31 JAN 2024

The inaugural night of the latest touring edition of the BBC's Strictly Coming Dancing at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena drew in a massive crowd of enthusiastic fans.

Directed by Craig Revel Horwood, the live show featured seven couples revisiting two of their favourite routine s from the 2023 series. Diverse in style, the routines included four group numbers but unlike the TV show, where judges score the participants, in this live setting, the public's votes, collected via text, determined the evening's trophy recipient.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Jowita Przystal kicked off the performances in Liverpool with a lively cha-cha to Boom Shack-A-Lak. The Channel 4 newsreader showcased his infectious personality through a high-energy routine that energised the arena.

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READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Layton Williams sends Liverpool message after co-star 'sabotage'

The quality of celebrity dancing remained consistently high, as seen in Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell's impressive Samba and beautiful Viennese Waltz. At 79, Angela Rippon, the oldest contestant ever on the show, graced the dance floor with her famous Cha Cha alongside professional partner Kai Widdrington. Performing to 'Get the Party Started,' Angela amazed the audience with a stunning high-kick conclusion.

The 2023 winners, Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, brought the heat (literally, with pyrotechnic flames) during their Paso doble. Their routine oozed chemistry, leaving the audience in awe, especially when Vito revealed matching tattoos he and Ellie had gotten earlier in Liverpool that day.

Ellie also revealed that she had a familiar face in the audience who was there to support her. During her conversation with Janette Manrara after her first dance, Ellie mentioned that her mum, Karen, was present at the event. She then scanned the audience briefly and caught sight of her mum, after which she shouted "love you" to her mother and blew kisses.

However, the night's ultimate victor was Layton Williams, who flawlessly executed two dances with Nikita Kuzmin. His quickstep to 'Putting on the Ritz' earned him a well-deserved standing ovation from the impressed audience.

The show is touring across the UK until February 11. You can purchase tickets here.

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'Spectacular' - Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2022 in Birmingham reviewed

Rose and Giovanni, John and Johannes (and so many more fabulous couples) simply delighted in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2022 at Utilita Birmingham

• 01:33, 22 JAN 2022
• Updated 09:11, 22 JAN 2022

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We've waited two VERY long years for this show - but boy, was it worth the wait.

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2022 was just dazzling, sparkling, spectacular.

It was FAB-U-LOUS dah-ling.

Our favourites from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing 2021 (and a few from 2020) were all back - and absolutely glittered on stage at Utilita Birmingham.

Read more: Tilly Ramsay's partner Nikita Kuzmin issues statement as he pulls out of Strictly tour

As Strictly's number one fan, I was already kitted out in my 2022 tour t-shirt, and buzzing with excitement.

It was Friday night, and I was ready to get up and dance...

Which stars are part of the tour?

The incredible line-up for this year featured Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice; Sara Davies and Aljaž Skorjanec; Max George and Katya Jones; Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin ( who was at the last minute replaced with Neil Jones due to Nikita testing positive for Covid-19); Maisie Smith and Kai Widdrington; Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu and John Whaite and Johannes Radebe .

Professional dancers Amy Dowden, Jake Leigh, Cameron Lombard, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal brought even more wow factor, with live music from the Strictly singers and band.

And would it be Strictly without the amazing, hilarious judges? Absolutely not. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli; together with new tour host Janette Manrara, made this - what I believe to be - the best tour yet.

And the show was even signed by a registered British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter, making this the biggest ever BSL accessible arena tour in the UK. Amazing.

On the night...

Tour host Janette Manrara said we'd been waiting 'two very long years' for this tour - and she was absolutely right. The auditorium was near-packed, and the excitement was tangible.

Fans, many decked in their sparkliest numbers, were waving '10' paddles and rocking some of the latest Strictly merchandise.

Head judge Shirley Ballas said right at the start that she remembered Birmingham being 'by far' the best audience in previous years, and I reckon she was right. Brum was ready for this.

Seven couples overall performed on the night - each competing for the sought-after glitterball.

So how did they all do, on Friday January 21?

John Whaite & Johannes Radebe

The amazing John Whaite and Johannes Radebe kicked off the night with their stunning Paso to the Pirates of the Caribbean theme. What a way to open the show!

Johannes seemed emotional as he gushed about how 'glorious' it was dancing with John again.

The pair scored a perfect 30 - and the judges had nothing but praise for them.

Each couple performed two dances that night - one in each act.

John and Johannes's second dance was their breath-taking show dance - which was a fan favourite in the 2021 series.

Craig said: "I have to constantly remind myself that you're a baker John. Dancing like that is incredible."

While Johannes praised his partner and said: "He's sparkling. I am so happy, so proud."

Tilly Ramsay and Neil Jones

Tilly was partnered with new-to-2021 pro Nikita Kuzmin during the programme, but unfortunately Nikita couldn't perform in the live show at the last minute after testing positive for Covid-19. So fellow pro Neil Jones stepped into his place.

Read more: Strictly star Tilly Ramsay raves about dish at Brum restaurant - and recommends it to dad Gordon

And honestly, hats off to Neil Jones. Not only was he a backing dancer for almost every performance, but he learnt Tilly's two routines in about two hours, and performed them sublimely during the evening. He must have been shattered at the end of the evening.

Judge Bruno told Tilly she was like a 'floating snowflake' during her waltz to Consequences by Camilla Cabello, the first dance she performed, in which she scored 24/30 from the judges.

In her second dance, which she recreated from musicals week - she and Neil danced to Revolting Children from the stage hit Matilda - and scored 28.

Max George and Katya Jones

Max survived until just week four in the 2020 series of Strictly, with partner Dianne Buswell. Sadly, due to Covid lockdowns, there was no 2021 live tour, so the celebs performing in 2020 (the year Bill Bailey took home the glitterball) did not get to take part in the amazing live shows.

So Max was instead part of the 2022 tour, paired up with Katya Jones. And despite having nearly two years off dancing, he was back with a bang.

He re-created his jive to I'm A Believer, with a cheeky nod to the hilarious routine he and Dianne had performed to The Simpsons theme tune back in 2020 (when they actually dressed up as The Simpsons, yellow body paint and all!)

Craig told Max he was very flat-footed, which was met with loud boos from the crowd.

But Bruno quite rightly said: "Was it perfect? No. But it was fun!"

He secured a score of 22 for his first dance, and 22 for his second dance, the American Smooth.

Sara Davies and Aljaž Skorjanec

Doesn't the crowd just love Aljaž? As soon as he stepped onto the floor, cheers erupted from the stands (my cheer was pretty loud too, I'll admit).

Sara and Aljaž were a wonderful partnership tonight, performing the foxtrot to Dream A Little Dream.

Shirley called Sara, who's best known on Dragon's Den, 'the queen of ballroom' and said she was 'pure elegance'.

Bruno added: "Aljaž has transformed a dragon into a purring pussy cat."

While Aljaž sweetly said to Sara: "It's a joy to work with you. It's a beautiful moment every single night I get to dance with you."

They scored 26 for that first number.

Their second dance, a fun and fast quickstep to 9 To 5 by Dolly Parton was just fabulous - and scored a well-deserved 25.

Maisie Smith and Kai Widdrington

Maisie is another star of 2020 - she was partnered with Gorka Marquez during the series, but tonight was paired up with the new Kai Widdrington.

Kai reached the final of Strictly 2021 with partner AJ Odudu but unfortunately she had to pull out at the last moment due to injury. She also could not perform in the live show, due to problems with her foot.

But Maisie was BACK - and she absolutely delighted fans (like me) who had forgotten how absolutely enchanting she was on the dance floor.

She performed a quickstep to When You're Smiling, and the whole auditorium couldn't help but smile along with her.

Craig said she was 'light and precise' and added: "I really like this new partnership, I think it's great."

Shirley said Maisie was 'A star'.

And Kai sweetly said after the routine, which earned the couple a score of 29/30: "Maisie is a firecracker and so amazing to dance with."

Their second routine, a fiery samba, scored them an amazing 30/30.

Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu

Rhys and Nancy had fans grinning with their bubbly Charleston, their first dance of the night.

Craig actually caused Bruno to fall out of his chair (is it a Strictly live tour if Bruno doesn't fall out of his chair at least once?) by saying to them: "It's almost as good as my Charleston. Ah-may-zing!"

Bruno added: "I was gobsmacked. A whopper of a showstopper, the best of the best."

The pair received full marks, 30/30, for the routine.

Later, in act two, they completely switched and performed a super-serious Argentine tango, which Shirley said was 'sharp and dramatic with intensity'.

Bruno said: "I could feel the heat. It was steamier than Bridgerton ."

The routine landed them 29/30 -with Craig scoring a nine.

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice

And finally, Rose and Gio. The series' darlings. It was clear they were the favourites of the night, judging by the screams and cheers from the crowd when they first stepped onto the floor.

They were 2021's well-deserved winners, and have already won every live show of 2022 so far!

The pair started the night with their steamy Argentine tango.

Shirley said: "You really are star quality."

While Bruno added: "The passion was tangible."

And Craig said: "Absolutely wonderful - I love love loved it."

Giovanni said to Rose after they had performed: "She's been phenomenal. She's just a beauty."

The duo scored 30/30.

Later in the night, they simply wowed with a live version of their breath-taking, stunning couple's choice routine, to Symphony.

It actually brought a tear to my eye when the music cut, and the audience momentarily were completely, utterly silent. It was gorgeous when I watched it on the TV, back in 2021, but to see and feel it live was just incredible. A moment I'll never forget.

Of course, they scored 30/30 for that dance too.

It was no surprise to see, after the audience had voted for their favourite, that this magical partnership took home the glitterball for the night. Congratulations!

I adore Strictly, it's my favourite TV time of the year. But I really mean it when I say 2022's live show absolutely surpassed itself. It was the best it's ever been.

I wish I could go back and experience the night all over again.

There were also some stunning group dances, but I'd like to single out in particular the one right before the interval. The pros, helped by the celebs, danced the magical routine to Taylor Swift's Lover and Love Story, which any Strictly fan will remember from the 2021 series.

Kai and Johannes partnered up and created their own gorgeous, inclusive love story. As Bruno rightfully said to John and Johannes after their second dance; 'we've come out of the dark ages and we're moving into the future'. It's incredible to see such inclusivity on stage, at such a huge, well-known event. And long may it continue.

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2022 was simply FAB-U-LOUS. A glittering, magical night of dancing, music, laughing (some crying) and a whole lot of sparkle.

I'd encourage anyone to go and get tickets - whether you're fans of the BBC show or not! It's so worth it.

The tour runs at Utilita Birmingham until Sunday - before moving to Leeds.

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Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, dance review

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The Strictly Come Dancing live tour is a sequinned extension to panto season. It’s a fluffy, feelgood show for the Strictly faithful, reliving the big moments from the most recent series – but this year added one knockout extra dance. We hadn’t seen soap star Natalie Gumede’s jive on television, since she missed performing it through illness. It turned out to be the dance of the night.

It’s an exception for this show, which is built solidly on familiar pleasures. Craig Revel Horwood directs a glossy recreation of the BBC television format, complete with training videos, interviews, judges’ scores and an audience vote. There’s a winner every night on tour, and the contestants dutifully pretend that competition is fierce, but the real race has already been won on television.

In the live shows, everybody is playing themselves. The celebrities recreate the onscreen “journey” the loyal audience already knows, from favourite routines to familiar jokes. The judges play up to their reputations, with Horwood as the nasty judge, Len Goodman being generous and Bruno Tonioli as the flamboyant Italian. (There’s no Darcey Bussell, who has commitments elsewhere.) Their scores are “only for guidance”, a favourite bit of decoration on Strictly’s sparkly cake. Lisa Riley acts as host, jollying contestants and audience along.

Gumede’s jive, danced to Proud Mary, fits right into this format while giving the audience a real surprise. Danced with Artem Chigvintsev, it’s a terrific routine. After posing with a microphone like a Motown star, Gumede powers into action. With her wild mane of hair and prancing feet, she’s a fabulous mix of huge energy and glossy precision.

The fact that she’s finally getting to dance this number may give Gumede an extra push, something to prove. It certainly gives her a new, fresh-for-the-tour journey, becoming the show’s comeback queen. No wonder she won the audience text vote.

The rest of this year’s line-up make a friendly team. There’s nobody as extreme as past contestants Ann Widdicombe or Nancy Dell’Olio, but they’re all confident with the audience and their roles. Actor Mark Benton is this year’s comedy contestant, taking on the role with good humour and real warmth. Rugby player Ben Cohen is the designated beefcake, ambling through routines and obligingly taking his shirt off. Dragon’s Den personality Deborah Meaden pitches the interviews and comedy bits just right, assured and funny.

Strictly Come Dancing past winners

At the top end of the scoreboard, television presenter Susanna Reid glares and swaggers through her paso doble, skirts swishing. Series winner Abbey Clancy has a sunny performance style and long-limbed model looks, though her dancing can be untidy.

Craig Revel Horwood’s production is a slick, confident package, moving smoothly from film clips to performance. It has some padding along the way – but then, so does the television show. On stage, the whole show is framed by big production numbers, lit up with fireworks and dry ice. Jason Gilkison’s choreography introduces the whole cast, while giving the professional dancers a chance to show off their technique.

Tour continues until 9 February. Tour dates from strictlycomedancinglive.com .

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Strictly tour results suggest shows are a 'foregone conclusion' as same couple win every one

The Strictly Come Dancing live tour kicked off in Birmingham last week and arrives in Newcastle on Thursday

• 14:28, 26 JAN 2022
• Updated 16:27, 26 JAN 2022

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There's a real trend developing on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour so far, as the same couple have won every show so far.

After a two year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the BBC programme's annual jaunt around the country is back, with the tour dates kicking off in Birmingham last week, in front of audiences of up to 10,000.

It's still only been just over a month since Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were crowned Strictly 2021 champions, having wowed the judges and viewers at home fro day one and most notably in the finale with a reprise of their incredibly moving Couples Choice performance and a stunning Show Dance.

READ MORE: Susanna Reid angry at GMB bosses for unearthing old Strictly clip

Rose and Giovanni are one of a whole host of couples who have hit the road for the Strictly live tour, with them joining runners up John and Johannes , fourth place 2021 couple Rhys and Nancy, Tilly and Nikita, Sara and Aljaz and 2020 star Max George and his pro partner Katya Jones.

Someone else from 2020 who is on the tour is Maisie Smith, with her partnering Kai Widdrington after AJ Odudu, having missed the final, also had to withdraw from the tour due to injury.

The tour kicked off in Birmingham last Thursday and so far there has only been one couple who've taken the spoils - Rose and Giovanni - with them winning every show.

People in the audience vote for their winners of each show and the reigning champions have triumphed every time so far, in all of the matinee and evening performances in Birmingham and opening night in Leeds.

After being asked by viewers who couldn't get tickets to reveal who finished runner-up to Rose and Giovanni, the Strictly tour Twitter account posted that in Birmingham,: Maisie and Kai were runners up twice and and John and Johannes were runners up four times.

John and Johannes also finished second after the first night in Leeds.

As the tour gets set to arrive in Newcastle on Thursday, Strictly tour bosses have reminded ticket holders that due to Covid rules, and trying to safeguard all of the dancers, the cast won't be signing autographs or posing for photos with fans.

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Culture | TV

Strictly Come Dancing season 20 review: fizzy as a bottle of champagne, wackier than a night at the circus

The disco ball spins, the theme tune strikes up and a new batch of nervous celebrities prepare to don their dancing shoes for 13 weeks of gruelling training.

That’s right: the juggernaut that is Strictly Come Dancing is back once more , and though it offers nothing new to the seasoned (or even casual) fan, it’s as fizzy and fun as a bottle of champagne – and wackier than a night out at the circus.

The ingredients were all there. Craig Revel Horwood strutted his stuff among a bevy of dancers in carnival costumes; a grey-haired Anton Du Beke beamed benevolently from behind the judge’s podium and Claudia Winkleman was as sure of foot and long of fringe as ever.

But the stars of the show are not the judges (though Shirley Ballas’ insistence on giving a standing ovation to every couple who danced was very sweet). We were introduced to our celebrities well in advance of the show’s launch, of course, but this was the first night we got to see them in action.

Naturally, the dancing ability of those celebrities varied wildly and as might be expected, most of them had a way to go before being able to keep up with their professional partners – not that you would have known it from the judges’ diplomatic comments, most of which were cheered wildly by the audience.

And was Craig booed? Of course. “Oh shut up,” he told the crowd fondly, before telling Kym Marsh: “And I loved your arabesque, darling.”

Whatever the abilities of the celebrities, their enthusiasm couldn’t be faulted: Marsh waxed lyrical about how excited her aunts were that she was on the show (she went onto introduce her partner Graziano to her entire extended family) while Radio 2 DJ Richie Anderson called his first dance “honestly one of the best moments of my life.”

This year, the powers that be have also introduced a new variation on the pairings: a male-male and female-female dancing couple made their debuts for the first time in the show’s history. These were Anderson and Giovanni Pernice, alongside comedian Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer.

It’s long overdue, really: the shake-up was a welcome addition to the (very) well-established Strictly formula – and you would have to have had a heart of stone not to cheer wildly when Adams danced the samba to Christina Aguilera ’s Dirrty. “I didn’t think there could be any more fabulousness in my life and then I met this woman [Hauer],” Adams said in the intro video. Amen to that.

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And of course, there are the inevitable emotional beats. Watching Adams tear up after finishing her first dance (in interviews, she’s explained how the last time she danced was with her sister Jenna, who died several years ago) brought a lump to the throat of this reviewer and neatly underlined just how much of a treasured institution Strictly is - as did seeing Tony Adams hold back his dismay after his clumsy football-themed tango.

Even only one episode in, it’s still remarkably easy to pick out the frontrunners. Singer Fleur East dazzled, as did CBBC presenter Molly Rainford with a funky samba. Wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin also made a splash with his foxtrot and actor Will Mellor took the roof off the place with a jaw-dropping jive; they’ll be the ones to beat.

Is it groundbreaking television? No. Has the formula changed much since it launched twenty years ago. Also no - and it’s about an hour too long to boot. But who cares? That’s not the point of Strictly Come Dancing. It’s as comforting as a warm bath and reliably sparky as ever: sink back and let it wash over you.

Strictly Come Dancing will be airing on BBC One on Saturdays

Review: Strictly Come Dancing Live tour at the Manchester Arena

The perfect antidote to a chilly, wet afternoon in Manchester

• 19:32, 27 JAN 2018

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"This is the happiest show in the world," beams Strictly Come Dancing contestant Susan Calman to a cheering crowd at the Manchester Arena.

Yes, the sequins, fake tans and a troupe of shimmying celebrities can only mean one thing - the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour is back in town.

And Scottish comic Calman is right.

The Strictly Live Tour always delivers a couple of hours of feel-good and fabulous entertainment. The perfect antidote to a chilly, wet afternoon in Manchester.

This year's tour, the 11th of its kind, is the first time Darcey Bussell graces the live stage as a judge - joining established favourites - the positively villainous Craig Revel Horwood and their flamboyant but charming side-kick Bruno Tonioli.

The couples donning their dancing shoes this weekend for four shows in Manchester are Bury's own Gemma Atkinson and Aljaž Skorjanec; Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez; Susan Calman and Kevin Clifton; Davood Ghadami and Nadiya Bychkova; Joe McFadden and Katya Jones; Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice; and Jonnie Peacock and Oti Mabuse.

The first group dance is nothing short of spectacular with celebrities and professionals samba-rolling their way around the arena to a thrilled audience of Strictly-lovers.

First up in the competitive dances is Alexandra Burke and her partner Gorka Marquez with an explosive jive.

With her immaculate kicks and flicks, it's easy to see why the British singer was picked out at as last year's rightful winner (Burke lost out to actor to Joe McFaddon).

The judges agree, awarding her a clean sweep of straight 10s.

Debbi McGee dazzles with a spicy salsa and some heart-stopping lifts with partner Giovanni Pernice.

But it is former Hollyoaks actress and Key 103 presenter Gemma Atkinson who steals everyone's hearts during the afternoon. Dancing on home-turf, Gemma enjoys the show as much as everyone else, blowing the crowd away with a fierce paso double to Coldplay's 'Rule the World.'

"It's feel-good and fabulous entertainment"

Bury-born Gemma may not have lifted the glitter ball in the 2017 series, but the arena live show was hers for the taking as she and Alias were crowned winners of the Saturday afternoon show.

The performance was also a chance to see Joe McFadden and Katya Jones' gravity defying lift in their sizzling Argentine Tango - a feat presenter Ore Oduba and judge Craig recreate to a thrilled audience.

Producers of the live show have kept it modern and fresh by including contemporary influences from new musicals such a La La Land.

The group finale was fun, uplifting and fresh.

This tour also marked a debut for former Strictly 2016 contestant Ore Oduba as compere - a role the natural showman appears to relish.

It's no surprise this show has been a hit year after year.

Which dances did the seven couples perform?

Susan Calman & Kevin Clifton - Quickstep to Bring me Sunshine and the Samba to the Wonder Woman theme tune

Alexandra Burke & Gorka Marquez - Jive to Tina Turner's Proud Mary and the Quickstep to The Gold Diggers' Song'

Davood Ghadami & Nadiya Bychkova - Paso Doble to Live and Let Die and Charleston to 'The Lambeth Walk'

Gemma Atkinson & Aljaž Skorjanec - American Smooth to Downtown and The Paso Doble to Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida'.

Jonnie Peacock & Oti Mabuse - Jive to ' Johnny B. Goode' and American Smooth to Cry Me a River

Debbie McGee & Giovanni Pernice - American Smooth to Memory from Cats and Salsa to 'I can't take my eyes off you'

Joe McFadden & Katya Jones - Charleston to Alexander's Ragtime Band by Ella Fitzgerald and Argentinian tango to Rag n' Bone Man's 'Human'.

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Strictly Come Dancing announces UK arena tour for 2023

Multi-award-winning BBC Studios Entertainment production will be touring the UK with 31 exciting dance packed shows.

Clear the dancefloor and whip out your 10 paddles, because the Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour is back for 2023! For the first time ever, Anton Du Beke will join fellow TV judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood on the Strictly Live Tour. The tour will also see the welcome return of the sensational Janette Manrara, who will host the 31 supersized sparkle-filled shows foxtrotting around the country in January and February next year. Tickets are on sale at 9.00am on 30 September from StrictlyComeDancingLive.com .

Opening at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on 20 January, the scintillating live show will then waltz across the country to some of the UK’s 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, SSE Arena Belfast, culminating at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on 12 February.

The 2023 tour will be directed once again by the A-MAZ-ING Strictly TV Judge Craig Revel Horwood. The show 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 20 th series of this entertainment phenomenon. Further casting announcements will be made soon.

Speaking about the upcoming tour, Anton Du Beke said: "I'm so excited to join my fellow TV judges on the Strictly 2023 tour and have the chance to enjoy all the fun of the live experience with audiences around the UK."  

Strictly’s Head Judge Shirley Ballas said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the judging panel, and it will be lovely to have Anton with us. It’s always so much fun! The audiences at the arena shows are phenomenal and it’s so nice to get to see everyone and perform for you all – I can’t wait for January when we get the show on the road!”

Craig Revel Horwood said: “ I'm thrilled to be back directing and judging the 2023 tour. This tour is going to be bigger and better than ever before – my imagination is running wild! With Anton joining the judging panel, one word, three syllables: FAB-U-LOUS!”

Janette Manrara said: “ I’m so excited to be returning to host the 2023 Strictly Live Tour! It is the most incredible experience to be part of this epic production, bringing all we love about the TV series to hundreds of thousands of people around the UK.”

BBC One’s hugely popular Strictly Come Dancing returned to TV screens last weekend with an exciting new celebrity line-up and a host of breathtaking dance routines. Strictly's Live Tour is no different, showcasing all the amazing choreography and fantastic live music that Strictly is famous for, so that audiences around the UK can experience everything they love about the TV show live on stage.

Arena audiences can not only watch the spectacular stars in action as they perform roof-raising routines, but they are also granted the power to decide who wins the coveted 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 that will decide who wins! 

As in 2022, 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 20 th at 7.30pm, Saturday 21 st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 22 nd at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

24-25 January             Nottingham Motorpoint Arena                                

(Tuesday 24 th at 7.30pm, Wednesday at 25 th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

26 -27 January             Leeds First Direct Arena                    

(Thursday 26 th at 7.30pm, Friday 27 th at 7.30pm)

28 -29 January             Manchester AO Arena                                  

(Saturday 28 th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 29 th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

31 January                  Sheffield Utilita Arena                                  

(Tuesday 31 st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

01-02 February           Newcastle Utilita Arena                                

(Wednesday 1 st at 7.30pm, Thursday 2 nd at 7.30pm)

03-05 February           London The O2 Arena           

(Friday 3 rd at 7.30pm, Saturday 4 th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 5 th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

07-08 February           Belfast SSE Arena                  

(Tuesday 7 th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 8 th at 2pm & 7.30pm)

10-12 February           Glasgow OVO Hydro                                     

(Friday 10 th at 7.30pm, Saturday 11 th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 12 th 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

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR is produced by Stage Entertainment UK and Phil McIntyre Live, in association with BBC Studios.

For further information, please contact:  Neil Reading PR,  Molly Murnaghan / Neil Reading -  [email protected] 

Notes to editors

About BBC Studios     

BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group with profits (EBITDA) of £226 million on sales of £1.6bn (21/22). Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, its activities span content financing, development, production, sales, branded services, and ancillaries across both its own productions, and programmes and formats made by high-quality UK independents, with three-quarters of its revenues from non-BBC customers including Discovery, Apple and Netflix.  Around 2,400 hours of award-winning British programmes made by the business are internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, with brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars , Top Gear , Bluey and Doctor Who . BBC.com, BBC Studios’ global digital news platform, has 139 million unique browser visits each month. 

BBC Studios | Website | Press Office | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram |

'Strictly Come Dancing' announces glittering celebrity line up for 2022 live tour

The 'Strictly Come Dancing' Live Tour 2022 is almost here, and now the celebrity dancers have been revealed.

There's great news for Strictly Come Dancing fans because the Live Tour 2022 is fast approaching... and now show bosses have announced which celebrities and professional dancers will be taking part. 

While Strictly Come Dancing 2021 might be drawing to a close, with the semi-final airing this weekend , that doesn't mean the celebrities get to hang up their dancing shoes just yet. 

It has been confirmed that the 2022 live arena tour will kick off in the new year, with the first of the 33 shows taking place in Birmingham on Jan. 20. 

Strictly 2021 semi-finalists John Whaite and his dance partner Johannes Radebe have been confirmed to be taking part. As well as EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis , and her partner Giovanni Pernice. 

Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu have also signed on the dotted line, as well as AJ Odudu and her dance partner Kai Widdrington. Eliminated stars Sara Davies and her partner Aljaž Škorjanec have also confirmed they will be taking part, as well as Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin.

Other professional dancers who have already confirmed they will be going on tour include Neil Jones, Amy Dowden, Cameron Lombard, Jake Leigh, Jowita Przystal, Luba Mushtuk, and Katya Jones, with Katya set to pair up with  Strictly Come Dancing  2020 contestant Max George.

Meanwhile, the touring panel of judges will see Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood joined by Bruno Tonioli , who has been missing from the last two series of Strictly Come Dancing due to pandemic travel restrictions.

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It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara will also be joining the star-studded lineup as the show's host.

Speaking ahead of the tour, Rose said: "I have loved every minute of my  Strictly  journey so far, so to be able to continue it on the live tour next 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."

"I cannot think of a better way to start the new year!" added TV presenter Rhys. "It will be fantastic to get my dancing shoes back on after Christmas and perform live in all those iconic venues."

AJ Odudu said: “Going on the Strictly tour is a fantastic opportunity. I’ll get to dance again and relive some of my favourite routines in front of huge live arena audiences. Just get me on the dance floor!”

While John Whaite added: “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!”

The Strictly Come Dancing semi-final airs on Saturday night at 7.05pm on BBC1. 

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off . 

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book. 

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Sensational Strictly live tour dazzles in Birmingham - review

“Fab-u-lous!”

Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour 2020 was sensational, sparkling, and spectacular.

Opening the tour in Arena Birmingham on Thursday night, we were delightfully transported back to a time just before Christmas - when Strictly was the centre of our Saturday nights on BBC One.

The celebs were back, glimmering and glittering in their sequin outfits alongside their professional partners; the judges were back, as critical but as complimentary as ever drawing out excitable boos and cheers from the crowd.

And this year the wonderful Stacey Dooley, 2018’s Strictly champion, was our host - bringing out the very best from the bubbling audience.

“Birmingham we love you,” the TV presenter called out. “Are you ready?

“Brace yourself please for sequins, surprises and a whole lot of drama as our couples battle it out for that glitter ball trophy. I know how determined they will be to get that.”

Head judge Shirley Ballas said she was “delighted” to be back in Birmingham, while Bruno Tonioli added it was a “thrill”. Even the usually-grumpy Craig Revel Horwood said he was “smiling inside” and that it was “great to be back”.

After a show-stopping number from the fabulous professional Strictly dancers, the show was underway at the newly named Utilita Arena Birmingham.

The seven couples taking part were Strictly 2019 champion Kelvin Fletcher and his partner for the night Janette Manrara replacing Oti Mabuse, Emma Barton and her partner for the night Graziano Di Prima replacing Anton Du Beke, Saffron Barker and AJ Pritchard, Catherine Tyldesley and Johannes Radebe, Alex Scott and Neil Jones, Mike Bushell and Katya Jones, and Karim Zeroul with Dudley’s very own Amy Dowden.

Strictly Live will be touring across the UK over the next few months, and on each live show the judges score both dances performed by the celebrities and their partners.

But those scores are just a guide - it’s down to the audience to text on the night and choose who they want to see lift that sparkling glitterball in their city.

Each couple chose their two favourite dances to perform on the night.

Kelvin raised the roof with a repeat of his heart-stopping show dance to You Make Me Wanna Shout, which Craig called “fab-u-lous!”.

Karim delighted with his joyful jive to Hairspray’s You Can’t Stop the Beat, while Catherine brought the arena to a standstill with her emotive rumba to Shallow, from A Star Is Born.

In the end - and after energetic and fantastic performances from all seven pairings - it was Kelvin and Karim both standing proudly at the top of the leaderboard with near perfect scores of 59 out of 60.

Sadly, at the other end of the leaderboard was Mike and Katya with 36 out of 60. While Shirley said Mike “certainly knew how to entertain” with his cha cha to It’s Raining Men, it didn’t see him attract the top scores, with cruel Craig even giving him a 3 - much to the horror of the audience!

But overall, our winner on Thursday night in Birmingham was Kelvin and Janette. You could have predicted it, the crowd just went wild every time Kelvin appeared on stage - there was a whole lot of love for the Emmerdale actor.

But who will take the trophy for the rest of the live shows?

The entire performance was a joy to watch - and Dave Arch’s band with live singers Tommy, Hayley, Andrea and Patrick added even more glamour to the glittering night.

“Birmingham, you have been outstanding,” host Stacey said as she closed the show. “We love you so much. Until next time, keep dancing!”

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Step into the dazzling world of dance as the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour sashays its way across the UK in January and February! Get ready for an electrifying spectacle full of glitz, glamour, and pure entertainment as your favourite stars take to the stage to deliver show-stopping performances that will sweep you off your feet.

The Strictly Live Tour brings everything you love about the multi-award-winning TV series to life, captivating hearts of all ages with that special Strictly magic to banish any post-Christmas blues.

The fabulous TV judges Shirley Ballas , Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood are ready to dazzle with their wit and wisdom, whilst charismatic host Janette Manrara will guide you through this journey of dance and delight, featuring breathtaking choreography and incredible live music from the Strictly Live Tour band and singers.

Be part of the excitement as YOU step inside your favourite show and become the judge – your text votes decide who wins the coveted Glitterball Trophy at every extraordinary Live Tour performance!

So don’t miss your chance to kick off 2024 with feel-good entertainment that will leave you beaming with joy and tapping your toes all the way home!

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Strictly's Giovanni Pernice supported by fans as he announces break

"Already looking forward to even bigger and better next year!"

The pro dancer took to Instagram to share the news with his 1.1 million followers, looking back on his solo tour, The Last Dance .

"I have had a wonderful time this year on my solo tour and already looking forward to even bigger and better next year!" the Strictly star wrote in the caption.

Related: Strictly 's Ellie Leach reveals she speaks to Vito Coppola "every single day"

"After performing in front of over half a million people for seven years in row, I plan to take a little break after next year's tour," he continued, encouraging fans who'd like to see the show to book their tickets now.

In response, one fan wrote: "After everything you give us it's time to take time for you Gio. Your shows have been amazing and the amount of hard work you and the team put into them is so obvious."

Another added: "No-one deserves a break more than you do. Just don't stay away too long!", while someone else shared: "You deserve a break, you've absolutely smashed it these last 7 years. You should be proud of yourself."

News of Pernice taking some well-earned rest came after his travel series with Strictly co-star, judge Anton Du Beke , made the air. Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain marked the second collaboration for the two pro dancers following their first series, Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily .

Related: Strictly 's Layton and Nikita to reunite for new show

Last week, Pernice asked his Instagram followers whether they'd like to see him and his "bestie" Du Beke visit other destinations for one more season of the show, suggesting the two dancers would be down for a new batch of episodes.

In the meantime, the two pals will reunite for a gala performance at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London this July 2, with Pernice teasing the duo will be "bringing Sicily and Spain" to the audience.

Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Tickets for Strictly 's 2024 live arena tour are available now .

Interested in talking about Strictly Come Dancing ? Visit our dedicated sub-forum

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy . 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half). 

.css-15yqwdi:before{top:0;width:100%;height:0.25rem;content:'';position:absolute;background-image:linear-gradient(to right,#51B3E0,#51B3E0 2.5rem,#E5ADAE 2.5rem,#E5ADAE 5rem,#E5E54F 5rem,#E5E54F 7.5rem,black 7.5rem,black);} Strictly Come Dancing

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STRICTLY PROFESSIONALS 2024

Join a dazzling dozen of the world’s best professional dancers as they take to the road next year for the 2024 official Strictly The Professionals UK Tour.

This exhilarating show will showcase the exceptional talent of 12 of TV’s beloved professional dancers, supported by incredible singers and a live band, all performed within the wonderful world of glamour and sparkle that fans know and love from the smash hit series.

Join hugely talented Strictly Professionals – Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Graziano di Prima, Jowita Przystal, Michelle Tsiakkas and Nancy Xu – live and up close as they treat audiences to world-class dance, sparkling sets and stunning choreography with a generous sprinkle of Strictly magic.

Directed by Strictly’s Creative Director Jason Gilkison, Strictly The Professionals will surprise and delight audiences with dance and choreography at the highest possible standard.

Don’t miss your chance to see so many of your favourite dancers coming together to perform in a theatrical ensemble that will quite simply take your breath away.

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