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The Line Up

THE JUDGES & HOST

The celebrities, the professional dancers, live tour judging panel announced:, anton du beke, shirley ballas & craig revel horwood, will star together in the strictly live arena tour, with janette manrara as your host.

JANETTE MANRARA

ANGELA SCANLON, KRISHNAN GURU-MURTHY, ANGELA RIPPON, LAYTON WILLIAMS, ANNABEL CROFT, BOBBY BRAZIER & ELLIE LEACH

bobby brazier & dianne buswell annabel croft & graziano di prima krishnan guru-murthy & jowita przystal ellie leach & vito coppola angela rippon & kai widdrington angela scanlon & carlos gu layton williams & nikita kuzmin.

Speaking about the upcoming tour, Ellie Leach said: “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!”.

Angela Rippon said: “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!”

Layton Williams said: “The Strictly tour means more sequins – lots and lots of sequins! I couldn’t think of a better way to end this fab experience. I can’t wait to dance in arenas across the country and meet all the fans that have supported my journey.”

Angela Scanlon said: “I could never have imagined just how much fun Strictly Come Dancing would be. I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to continue our amazing journey next year, performing in literal arenas with Carlos and all the gang! Let’s go!”

Annabel Croft said: “I’m used to interviewing people in front of very large crowds, but to dance in arenas for many thousands of people is going to be something else. Dancing every week on the TV show has been such a joy, so I can’t wait for the magic of the tour and to experience it with my new tour partner, Graziano.”

Bobby Brazier said: “I love dancing and I love Strictly, so what better way to continue this brilliant experience than on the live tour! I’ve heard from Dianne what a blast everyone has on the road, so I can’t wait to perform with her for those huge arena crowds next year.”

Krishnan Guru-Murthy said: “My whole time on Strictly has been life-changing. So the chance to keep going, take on another challenge and go on tour, this time with a new dance partner in Jowita, is irresistible. I can’t wait!”

DIANNE BUSWELL (BOBBY BRAZIER) VITO COPPOLA (ELLIE LEACH) GRAZIANO DI PRIMA (ANNABEL CROFT) CARLOS GU (ANGELA SCANLON) NIKITA KUZMIN (LAYTON WILLIAMS) JOWITA PRZYSTAL (KRISHNAN GURU-MURTHY) KAI WIDDRINGTON (ANGELA RIPPON) NADIYA BYCHKOVA KAREN HAUER KATYA JONES NEIL JONES ROBBIE KMETONI JAKE LEIGH NANCY XU

'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.

Strictly Come Dancing - Giovanni and Rose

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.

Strictly Come Dancing - John and Johannes

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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Real Housewives alum Lisa Rinna stars in Mommy Meanest on Lifetime tonight

Strictly Come Dancing legends to reunite for nostalgic show - here's how to get tickets

The Legends of the Dance Floor tour later this year will bring together former Strictly Come Dancing stars Brendan Cole, Ian Waite, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev and Vincent Simone

12:25, 13 May 2024

A group of former Strictly Come Dancing stars are set to unite for a new show that promises to be a "nostalgic celebration" of various dance styles in the coming months.

The Legends of the Dance Floor tour will bring together Brendan Cole , Ian Waite , James Jordan , Pasha Kovalev and Vincent Simone . They have previously headlined their own solo shows but haven't toured as a five-piece group.

The professional dancers - who are each no longer on the BBC show - are set to team up for the 18-date tour later this year. Joined by a supporting cast, it's been teased that they will take audiences on a journey through their careers.

Brendan, who did Strictly from 2004 to 2017, said: "We are going to produce something very special and very unique." The dancer, who won with newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky , added: "I'm really excited to see what we produce on that stage because I know it's going to be something really magical."

Whilst Pasha, who was a cast member from 2011 to 2018, said: "This show is for anyone who loves dancing." The former participant, who won with the late presenter Caroline Flack , added: "We are going back to our roots, back to traditional ballroom and Latin dancing, it's going to be so much fun on stage."

Vincent, who appeared on Strictly from 2006 until 2012, teased: "There is going to be lots of glamour and lots of passion." The dancer, who was a finalist with singer Rachel Stevens , continued: "There will be so much talent on one stage, not just from us five but also from our amazing cast."

James was a dancer on the BBC show from 2006 until his departure in 2013, having reached the final with presenter Denise van Outen at one point. Ian, who was a cast member from 2004 to 2009, was finalist with contestants including athlete Denise Lewis during his time on the show.

The group's show, Legends of The Dance Floor, is set to entertain audiences nationwide from October 1 to 22. The tour includes a performance at London 's Adelphi Theatre on October 8, and will visit various other venues too.

A synopsis for it teases: "In what promises to be a nostalgic celebration of Latin, ballroom, tango, rumba and so much more, the dance stars will be joined by an incredible supporting cast as they take us on a journey through their illustrious careers and Strictly highlights while reminiscing on how they became your Legends of The Dance Floor."

It's been announced that tickets go on sale next Monday (May 20) at 10am. Organisers have shared that fans can now sign up for "exclusive" pre-sale ticket access, which is said to end later this week on Thursday (May 16), for the tour.

Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster , including pre-sale. Organisers have also announced that tickets will be available through "all venues" themselves and fans can sign up for "exclusive presale access" on the tour's website .

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MORE ON Brendan Cole Pasha Kovalev Ian Waite Vincent Simone Strictly Come Dancing James Jordan

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Strictly Come Dancing: the final – as it happened

Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams had three dances to seal their win. But on a night of Cher cameos and Eurovision news, who would lift the glitterball trophy?

16 Dec 2023 Thank you and goodnight
16 Dec 2023 Vito is a worthy pro champion
16 Dec 2023 Bobby made a late surge for title
16 Dec 2023 Layton was a winner in all but name
16 Dec 2023 It wasn't Ellie's final - but it was her series
16 Dec 2023 Definitely not nul points
16 Dec 2023 O come all ye sparkly
16 Dec 2023 More dance delights on TV tonight
16 Dec 2023 Readers' verdicts are in
16 Dec 2023 The Golden Glitterballs: grand final edition
16 Dec 2023 Credits roll. Champion crowned
16 Dec 2023 Ellie is the winner
16 Dec 2023 Glitterball winners about to be revealed
16 Dec 2023 Class of 2023 reunion dance
16 Dec 2023 Class of 2023 incoming
16 Dec 2023 Cher is in the house
16 Dec 2023 Olly Alexander is doing Eurovision
16 Dec 2023 Final leaderboard in full
16 Dec 2023 Layton and Nikita’s Argentine tango
16 Dec 2023 Bobby and Dianne’s Couple’s Choice
16 Dec 2023 Ellie and Vito’s American smooth
16 Dec 2023 Layton and Nikita’s showdance
16 Dec 2023 Bobby and Dianne’s showdance
16 Dec 2023 Ellie and Vito’s showdance
16 Dec 2023 Voting is… drum roll please… open!
16 Dec 2023 Gladiators on the Ts&Cs
16 Dec 2023 Layton and Nikita’s quickstep
16 Dec 2023 Bobby and Dianne’s samba
16 Dec 2023 Claudia on the Ts & Cs
16 Dec 2023 Ellie and Vito’s paso doble
16 Dec 2023 Please be upstanding for the judges
16 Dec 2023 Frockwatch
16 Dec 2023 Our Strictly stars™
16 Dec 2023 Party gets started straight away
16 Dec 2023 And we’re off!
16 Dec 2023 A new pro champ will be crowned
16 Dec 2023 Luvvies, luvvies everywhere
16 Dec 2023 Semi-final rewound
16 Dec 2023 Can Ellie notch a perfect 40?
16 Dec 2023 Let’s play Strictly final bingo
16 Dec 2023 One of the biggest TV nights of the year
16 Dec 2023 Strictly come signalling
16 Dec 2023 On your dance cards tonight
16 Dec 2023 Youth has triumphed
16 Dec 2023 Ellie Leach is the bookies’ favourite
16 Dec 2023 Three is the magic number
16 Dec 2023 Who will find a glitterball trophy in their stocking?

Thank you and goodnight

Phew, what a final. High-standard hoofing. Gripping and tense but the right outcome, I think.

That concludes tonight’s liveblog but please feel free to continue the cha-cha-chat in the comments section. And thanks for being so friendly, funny and fascinating all series. Queen Heidi ’s were big sparkly dancing shoes to fill but you couldn’t have been more welcoming.

Hopefully see you on Christmas Day for a ballroom Babycham. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on the platform formerly known as Twitter, so feel free to say hi and give me a follow. Each day, I post TV and film recommendations for that evening, much like those on this blog.

Thanks so much for watching along with me this year. Merry choreographic Christmas and a happy hoofing New Year . And, of course, for the final time this series: keeeeeep dancing!

Vito is a worthy pro champion

This was Italian stallion Vito Coppola ’s second final in two years, after finishing runner-up with Fleur East in his debut season. And what a perfect partner for Ellie Leach he was.

Vito didn’t just teach her impeccable technique, he taught her to believe in herself and in return, Ellie turned into the perfect student. Together they became a dynamic, endearing and ultimately winning couple. Ellie’s growth in both dance ability and self-confidence is pretty much the dream ticket.

Voluble Vito, with his animal analogies and Italian cuisine metaphors, can claim a lot of the credit. Parmigiana and prosecco all round on Sunday?

Bobby made a late surge for title

In other years, EastEnders boy wonder Bobby Brazier might well have won. He was unfortunate to find himself up against two even more brilliant dancers in Layton Williams and Ellie Leach .

He came into this final as the lowest overall scorer, a double dance-off survivor and the bookies’ rank outsider. Yet Bobby shone when it mattered. His laidback exterior disguised a fierce competitor who hit top form at the right time. He danced into the final with a 38-point quickstep, then bettered it with a hat-trick of 39-point dances in the final. He substantially improved both his reprised dances. His samba entertained, his Couple’s Choice moved but it was that La La Land showdance which really wowed.

Bobby’s achievement shouldn’t be underestimated. Unlike his fellow finalists, he had no dance experience whatsoever. He’d never even seen Strictly before he was on it. This year’s youngest contestant became the youngest ever male finalist.

The fact that he came so close to the glitterball trophy is testament to his hard graft and consistency, not dropping below 30 since week three. He grew from an ingenue into a real Bobby dazzler. A star is born. Don’t be surprised if he makes it to La La Land in real life too.

Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell’s showdance/

Layton was a winner in all but name

Layton Williams was the best dancer in the contest. A little too good, as it ultimately turned out. With his stage school background and musical theatre experience, there were “ringer” rumblings right from the start. These only got louder as the series progressed, which hardly felt fair.

Layton didn’t cast himself in Strictly. He’s not trained in ballroom, Latin or partner dancing. He certainly didn’t deserve the vicious trolling that came his way, especially when it spilled over into vile racist and homophobic abuse. He showed remarkable resilience and class to rise above it, let alone continue to bring so much energy and sass.

This was a far better series for having Layton in it. He’s not just a thrilling dancer who was magical and joyous to watch. He also raised the standard of those around him. His pro partner Nikita Kuzmin was clearly inspired by his “brother” and raised his choreographic game. Ellie Leach also upped the ante to keep pace with him. It often felt like these two were in their own private competition, with the rest a distant third.

He scored so many maximums, he was nicknamed “Lay-ten” - 31 perfect scores in total, including four perfect 40s. He topped the leaderboard eight weeks out of 12. Layton is one of the highest scorers in Strictly history, up there with Alesha Dixon and Ashley Roberts - another celebrity who didn’t win because a perceived head start meant she lacked viewer support.

Layton can take comfort from the fact that despite surviving the dance-off and suffering a backlash, he deservedly lasted the whole series and was the standout performer in the final. He’s danced his way out of a Bury council estate, into the West End and all the way to the Strictly final. He pushed boundaries, experimented with lead-swapping and was Strictly’s first male celebrity to dance in a dress. Strictly’s wait for its first same-sex winners goes on but Layton is a born star and a true entertainer.

Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin’s showdance.

It wasn't Ellie's final - but it was her series

Wow, what a three months it’s been for Ellie Leach . She arrived in the contest as a largely unfancied contender, fresh from the Corrie cobbles. Under the smart tutelage of Italian pro Vito Coppola - with whom she formed a strong partnership (and rumoured showmance) - the 22-year-old has blossomed before her eyes.

The pocket rocket performer now oozes confidence, both as a dancer and as a young woman. Vito not only taught her self-belief but instilled impeccable technique, meaning she could do it all.

Having started quietly, she came out of her shell to become a storyteller of real style - fierce in Latin and full of poise in ballroom, fearlessly flinging herself into ambitious choreography and daring lifts. Ellie became the best all-rounder in the contest, a versatile dancer equally strong in ballroom and Latin, She kept her standard remarkably high, not scoring below 35 since week 4, leading to Shirley Ballas dubbing her “Miss Consistency”.

She and Vito were a dynamic pairing with great chemistry and their enjoyment of dance was infectious. They were the contest’s second highest scorers overall, topping the leaderboard four times in 12 weeks. She was outshone in the final by the boys, sure, mainly due to that bungled showdance lift but she also notched her first perfect 40 at last.

I think we got the right glitterball winner. The cherry on the cake. The top of the iceberg. The spectacular-est of the tentaculous. Bravo.

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola’s American smooth.

Finally, on our new champion, shazza2704 says: “My favourites won and bonus of the lovely talented Olly announcing his entry at Eurovision next year. My Christmas has truly arrived early”

RoniOh says: “Only Vito could say it’s the cherry on the cake and the iceberg, and have Strictlyites understand every word. Well done Ellie. So well done.”

emilyscatnaps says: “I’m so thrilled for Ellie and Vito - and how lovely to see the other finalists pile in so happily as well. Congratulations to all involved, I LOVE YOU ALL!”

MikeMoonlight adds on our new champion: “Finally, the great British public get the hang of this ‘voting’ lark. Let’s hope it stays that way till next year.”

Not sure but I *think* he wants Sir Keir Starmer to win Strictly 2024. You heard it here first.

On that Class of 2023 reunion dance, avenueman says: “I always love the final celeb dance in the final. Not only is it a reminder of past celeb glories (Krishnan!) but some plonker always gets winched down from the ceiling to disguise their lack of dance ability. Hello Les!”

Definitely not nul points

On that surprise Eurovision announcement, Somersetlass says: “Olly Alexander for Eurovision! I just terrified the cat by cheering. What a perfect choice.”

Briggybum adds: “Just booked Eurovision week off. Woop woop!”

On tonight’s musical guest, avenueman says: “I love Cher. She’s been around so long, she’s like a national monument. Like the Statue of Liberty but with less facial movement.

NHSfan says: “Cher? I thought it was Stephen Hawking’s voice machine.”

Bigted1980 adds: “Cher giving Speak ‘n’ Spell realness.”

Cher performing on Strictly Come Dancing.

As for Layton William s – amazing dancer and one for the “lost winners list” – TeeDubyaBee says: “Layton & Nikita are so in sync now. Used to get the feel of a pro dance battle but not now.”

jagadox says: “Whether Layton wins or not, whether he’s a ringer or not, his partnership with Nikita has thrown down a marker as to what a same-sex couple can do. And it has been pretty epic.”

acanthe says of Layton’s quickstep: “That’s definitely one of my favourite dances of this series, possibly any series. Really glad the judges chose it.”

Owbeck says: “Nikita let the side down at the end, lol. Lots of fun from Layton, as expected. But I think the purists might prefer Bobby’s showdance of the three.”

MarvellousMavis says: “Another proper showdance! Fab U Lous. Layton wins best dancer of the night, even if he doesn’t win the trophy.”

Lidoswimmer says: “Ooh, this Arentine tango was probably the best dance of the series.”

RoniOh adds: “I have love, love, loved watching Layton and Nikita’s friendship develop during this show. Yes it’s about the daaaahnce but it’s also about the relationships and the sparkle. Nikita has just blossomed in his partnership with Layton; the creativity has been off the charts. Layton has brought out a Nikita we never really saw.”

O come all ye sparkly

The next hoofing date in our diaries is the all-star Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on BBC1 at 4.40pm on Christmas Day . There won’t be a full liveblog because, probably like you, I’ll be covered in pine needles and Quality Street wrappers.

However, we will publish an article and have an open comments thread, so our lovely sparkly community can discuss it live. Please rejoin me then for festive fabulousness.

Some of your comments on Bobby Brazier now. Lidoswimmer says: “Enjoying the change in Bobby who started out so laidback, he was almost horizontal - not unusual for a guy of his age - but now he’s just gone full into the Strictly experience, shaking his welly and loving the blow dry.”

NanaNootka says: “Well, that Bobby samba has clinched it for me. There’s a lot to be said for watching a dance and smiling from ear to ear ! They are the couple I look forward to the most. Awesome! What a charmer!”

Gardener_Maidhc says: “Bobby and Dianne’s showdance, old Hollywood musical style, is easily his best dance of the show.”

JoMK73 says: “Oh, Bobby’s showdance was great fun. Not over-reliant on tricks and lifts. Plenty of folks like LaLaLand and the music was light and lovely. Really suited him. People will like that, I think. Nice one, Dianne.”

About their Couple’s Choice, Somersetlass adds: “Both Bobby and Diane in tears throughout that. To be able to express that kind of emotion through dance is a real talent.”

More dance delights on TV tonight

Don your sparkliest frock or tightest trousers. Viewers can now flip to the Disco Night on BBC2, Bradley Walsh: My Comedy Heroes on Channel 5 or stay tuned to BBC1 for the Survivor final.

Film-wise at 9pm, there’s Saving Private Ryan on Channel 4, Working Girl on ITVBe, Love Actually on Sky Showcase or the mighty Dirty Dancing on 5Star. Nobody puts Baby (or indeed Dianne Buswell) in the corner.

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Inside Strictly Come Dancing tour wrap party as Annabel Croft in tears and pros break up argument

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing live tour marked their final show at London's O2 Arena with a boozy wrap party, where they partied the night away - let's take a look inside...

14:52, 12 FEB 2024
Updated 14:55, 12 FEB 2024

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The stars of Strictly Come Dancing enjoyed a fun-filled night out at the wrap party on Sunday.

The Strictly Live Tour ended at London's O2 Arena on Sunday, 11 February, after kicking off on January 19 in Birmingham.

Tennis ace Annabel Croft appeared emotional following the string of nationwide shows.

Annabel, 57, initially danced with Johannes Radebe in the popular BBC contest, where she came in fourth place and was eliminated from the ballroom and Latin dancing show just before the final.

However, as the South African dancer did not take part in the tour, Annabel was instead partnered with Graziano Di Prima.

As her Strictly journey came to a close, she couldn't help but tear up as she bid farewell to her co-stars.

Annabel was consoled by reigning series champion Vito Coppola, as she wiped away tears before they shared a hug while saying a fond farewell at the wrap party.

Elsewhere in the drama-filled evening, Strictly pro Nancy Xu was pictured outside the hotel alongside EastEnders ' Jamie Borthwick, trying to diffuse an argument after things got heated.

Meanwhile, Angela Scanlon appeared to be having the time of her life.

The Irish presenter wore a blue jacket and plunging top as she partied with pro dancer Carlos Gu, who she was partnered with on the show.

Angela was also seen sharing an embrace with her newfound Strictly Come Dancing BFF, Nancy.

The pair were seen jokingly pouting at each other as they departed the venue.

Angela Scanlon was in good spirits as she made her way home

Katya Jones posed with the glitterball trophy as she marked the end of tour, which saw the stars take over arenas in cities including Sheffield, Liverpool and Manchester.

Alongside the snap, she said: "One last time! Winning by just being part of this truly phenomenal show! Thank you to everyone who came to watch us!

"It’s a closing chapter for our celebrities of their Strictly story. And I have loved watching them soak in every moment! Let’s enjoy the final hooray!"

Katya proudly posed with the Glitterball trophy

Janette Manrara , who hosted the live tour, took to Instagram to celebrate the cast after their string of shows.. Sharing a video of the stars, she wrote: "What an amazing bunch this was! Incredible tour, incredible last show."

Last year's Strictly stars Molly Rainford and Tyler West, who began dating after starring on the BBC show, looked more loved up than ever as they left the arena holding hands.

Annabel wasn't the only star to be overcome with emotion at the thought of her Strictly journey coming to an end.

Janette expressed her pride as the tour came to a close

Coronation Street star and 2023 series winner Ellie Leach previously revealed she "cries" whenever she thought of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour coming to an end.

Ahead of the final show, Ellie emotionally took to Instagram and said: "Hello everyone, just wanted to come on to catch up because I haven't been on that much and there's a lot to unfold.

"First of all, I just want to say thank you all so much for all your messages about the Strictly tour.

"I can't believe that in a couple of days it's going to be over....

"If I think about it too much I cry so I try not to think too much about the end.

"But thank you all so much, I'm so glad that everyone who's been to see the show has enjoyed it. We have loved putting on a performance for you all every night."

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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.

TOUR PHOTOS 2024

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Strictly Come Dancing Live announces further celebrities joining the 2023 UK arena tour

Two more celebrities have been announced to join the scintillating line-up for next year’s hotly-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour: singer, actor and presenter Molly Rainford and wildlife cameraman and Countryfile presenter Hamza Yassin.

They will join previously announced Will Mellor, Ellie Simmonds and Tyler West for 32 sparkle-filled shows kicking off in January.

Molly Rainford said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the Strictly Live Tour, performing for the huge arena crowds across the UK is going to be an incredible experience. I’m really looking forward to continuing my amazing Strictly journey and getting out on the road to meet all the fans."

Hamza Yassin said: “Strictly has changed my life in ways I never imagined, so to be doing the tour on top of it all is a dream come true! I’ve heard the tour audiences are unparalleled, so I’ll be relishing the atmosphere every night, and I’m so excited to share that experience with my fellow dancers – not to mention the judges.”

The celebrities and professionals will be joined on the road by Strictly TV judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke – who is part of the tour for the first time – with the sensational Janette Manrara as host.

Opening at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on 20 January, the tour 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.

The Strictly Live Tour showcases all the breathtaking choreography, stunningly sparkly costumes and fantastic live music synonymous with BBC One’s long-running and hugely loved Strictly Come Dancing TV show – which is currently on our screens, with the final due to take place on 17 December.

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 20th series of this entertainment phenomenon.

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 Gliderball 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 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 2.30pm & 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

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 .

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Strictly pro dancers ‘growing close’ as they spark romance rumours

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Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola has sparked romance rumours with his co-star Jowita Przystal .

The professional dancers, aged 31 and 29, are said to have recently said to have become close whole touring the country for a live tour.

Strictly: The Professionals sees 12 of the BBC show’s dancers perform alongside singers and a live band, kicking off in Oxford earlier this month.

Other stars taking part are Dianne Buswell , Karen Hauer, Neil Jokes, Nikita Kuzmin and Gorka Marquez .

However, as they’ve been preparing for the show, Vito and Jowita have ‘quietly coupled up after growing close’.

Sources say they have caused a ‘stir behind the scenes after being spotted entering and leaving each other’s rooms’, as reported by The Mirror .

Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.

The couple were also pictured heading out of rehearsals together last month.

‘Jowita and Vito have been the main source of gossip during tour rehearsals, and now on the tour itself. They’re seeing each other but keeping it very quiet,’ a source told the publication.

‘They don’t want the kind of attention Jowita had with Giovanni, especially as it’s still early days.

‘They’ve been going off together quite a lot while not rehearsing, and have been in and out of each other’s dressing rooms,’ they added.

Before joining Strictly, Jowita, was in a long-term relationship with Michael Danilczuk, who she won BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer with in 2020.

In December 2022, she began dating fellow Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice, but they split after three months.

Not long after she was linked to Strictly assistant choreographer Arduino Bertoncello.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals 2024 UK tour.

Last year Vito, who joined Strictly in 2022, was reported to be dating Coronation Street star Ellie Leach after they were paired up on the dancing series.

They then went on to win the competition.

However, after the show ended it was then reported that she had actually instead be seeing EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier, who was also appearing on Strictly too.

Last season Jowita was paired with Paralympian Jody Cundy, but was eliminated in the third round.

Metro.co.uk has contacted representatives for Vito Coppola and Jowita Prystal for comment.

Strictly Come Dancing is streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Doctor Who fans ‘scream’ after Strictly icons make cameo in utterly surreal musical number

MORE : Strictly star melts hearts as she introduces former partner to newborn baby

MORE : Strictly star celebrates ‘miracle baby defying the odds’ after premature birth

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John Oliver rates his favorite Eurovision contestant, Windows95man, a "14,000 out of 10"

A man with "blonde locks and pervert glasses hatching out of a denim egg it’s like botticelli’s 'birth of venus'", by gabriella ferrigine.

While the Eurovision Song Contest, which took place over the weekend, may have been shrouded in serious news, comedian John Oliver still managed to relish in the annual international competition's inherent goofiness.

Oliver opened Sunday night's episode of "Last Week Tonight" by briefly jesting about a few of the many punchy U.S. news headlines in the past week. He noted how Kristi Noem, the Republican governor of South Dakota, has elected to suspend her book tour, "allowing her more time at home, which should be concerning to any of her remaining pets," jabbing at her recent revelation that she'd once shot her pet dog. Oliver also underscored news of how more than a decade ago, doctors determined that a parasitic worm had eaten part of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s brain, which he claimed "honestly sounds like a terrible experience for that worm."

From there, the late-night host pivoted to Eurovision, which saw a nonbinary artist from Switzerland, Nemo, take home the victory.

“The Eurovision Song Contest took place amid a slew of controversies, from calls for boycotts over Israel's participation to the last-minute elimination of this Dutch contestant for alleged unlawful threats backstage,” Oliver said. “It was a lot of serious news around what is usually a magnificently silly competition, which to be fair still had some striking contestants, from Baby Lasagna from Croatia to Bambi Thug from Ireland to my absolute favorite, this guy from Finland.”

Oliver then proceeded to show a clip of Finnish contestant Windows95man emerging from a giant denim egg while performing his song, "No Rules."

“Yes! 14,000 out of 10," Oliver said, rating the production. "A man with flowing blonde locks and pervert glasses hatching out of a denim egg? It’s like Botticelli’s 'Birth of Venus' — only this time, it’s actually good.”

Oliver continued by discussing the Windows95man, whose real name is Teemu Keisteri, and his stage persona.

“The name of that artist — and I do mean artist — is Windows95man,” Oliver said. “His stage costume consists of a Windows95 T-shirt, hat, and, importantly, not much else, which is why performances basically consisted of doing an extended Austin Powers bit."

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"But maybe the best thing about Windows95man — other than his name, face outfit, and partial nudity — is that during Finland’s contest to pick its representative at Eurovision, the jury ranked him dead last," he continued. "But he took the audience vote by such a large margin, he won anyway — which makes sense to me. The people of Finland are naturals at ski jumping, sauna and knowing a f**king star when they see one.

“I don’t know what their other contestants were like, but I highly doubt that they had stagecraft like a pair of jean shorts descending from the ceiling followed by this,” he added, showing the bit where Windows95man shoots fireworks out of what looks like rope attached to his jean shorts after he puts them on.

“F**k all other music. It is dead to me now,” Oliver said, concluding his Eurovision segment by referencing "No Rules" lyrics: “To quote a great poet clad in exploding denim: ‘I don’t care what’s wrong or right, it’s how I live my life,’ and that is my champion right there.”

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver airs on Sundays at 11 p.m. ET on Max.

about this topic

How Eurovision helps define Europe's boundaries (and why Ukraine will likely win)
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Gabriella Ferrigine is a staff writer at Salon. Originally from the Jersey Shore, she moved to New York City in 2016 to attend Columbia University, where she received her B.A. in English and M.A. in American Studies. Formerly a staff writer at NowThis News, she has an M.A. in Magazine Journalism from NYU and was previously a news fellow at Salon.