Strictly Live Tour 2026 launches in Birmingham tonight - here's a sneak peek at the action fans will see on stage at Utilita Arena
The Strictly Come Dancing stars are ready to hit the stage in Birmingham - here's a sneak peek at what fans will see on stage for the first show tonight (Friday)
Strictly fans are in for a treat as the tour dances for the hotly anticipated 2026 Strictly Live Tour have been announced.
With live music from the iconic Strictly Tour band and singers, the couples will perform a range of dances as they look to earn a perfect score from judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen will perform a Cha Cha and Salsa, George Clarke and Alexis a Viennese Waltz and Charleston, Lewis Cope and Katya will do the Charleston and a Couple’s Choice, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren will dance the Quickstep and Cha Cha, Ellie Goldstein and Vito will do the Salsa and a Couple’s Choice, Vicky Pattison & Kai will do a Couple’s Choice and Tango and La Voix and Aljâz will perform a Paso Doble and Salsa.
Also, special Guests Layton Williams & Nikita will perform the Argentine Tango and Showdance.
The 2026 Live Tour, which is hosted by It Takes Two’s Janette Manrara, opens at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on January 23, with five shows from Friday to Sunday, and 30 shows around the UK.
Completing the line up are professional dancers Julian Caillon, Neil Jones, Jake Leigh, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Nancy Xu, who will hit the road as part of the iconic arena tour.
Following the opening night in Birmingham, the glitz, the glamour and the sequins, together with the celebrity contestants and their professional dancer partners, will travel to some of the UK’s biggest entertainment venues leaving a trail of glitter in their wake.
These include the Utilita Arena Newcastle, First Direct Bank Arena Leeds, AO Arena Manchester, Utilita Arena Sheffield, M&S Bank Arena Liverpool, OVO Hydro Glasgow, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, and finally The O2 in London, culminating on February 15.
A spokesman for the tour said: "The Strictly Live Tour celebrates all the joy of the smash-hit BBC series, showcasing the amazing choreography and fantastic live music that Strictly is synonymous with, providing audiences of all ages up and down the country the opportunity to experience everything they love about the TV show live on stage.
"Not only are the arena audiences treated to the spectacular 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 of course provide their invaluable wisdom, advice and scores at each performance, and we couldn’t stop them if we tried, but the ultimate power lies with the audience.
"A text for their favourite couple is all it takes; their votes will decide who wins."
Each performance will host a British Sign Language interpreter, who will be displayed on two very large screens on either side of the stage so that audiences can book tickets and sit almost anywhere in the arena to enjoy the experience with family and friends.
