Express & Star

Strictly is set to takeover Birmingham

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing waltzed into Birmingham ahead of their opening show tonight.

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Dancers and celebrities gear up for Strictly Birmingham. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

It was sequins and sparkles as celebrities such as Gemma Atkinson, Alexandra Burke, Susan Calman, Debbie McGee and reigning champ Joe McFadden took to the Arena Birmingham stage.

Speaking after his victory last month, Holby City star, Joe said: "I honestly didn’t think I’d make it past the first few weeks on Strictly, let alone get to go on the tour.

"It’s going to be a wonderful experience, which I'm really looking forward to."

The Strictly tour is in Birmingham from tonight until Sunday.

There will be five shows at Arena Birmingham, formerly the Barclaycard Arena and before that the NIA, between those dates.

They will be joining the tour judging panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell.

Dancing professionals including Dudley's Amy Dowden are ready to wow crowds with a selection of their favourite performances from the last series.

The 26-year-old, who runs Art in Motion Dance Academy in Dudley alongside partner Ben Jones, took to the Strictly dancefloor with celebrity partner Brian Conley late last year.

The tour will be hosted by former Strictly winner and BBC sports presenter Ore Oduba.

A spokesperson for Strictly said: "Prepare yourself to see the incredible technique of the dancers and their celebrity partners; the quality of the Strictly singers and band and the sparkling spectacle of 150 Strictly costumes.

"Fans of all ages can come together around the magnificent dance floor to enjoy the electric atmosphere of this live experience."