The celebrities of Strictly Come Dancing have gathered for their initial day of practice ahead of the 2026 tour, commencing in Birmingham on January 23 and later visiting cities including Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Nottingham before concluding at London’s O2 on February 15.
Notable figures such as George Clarke and Vicky Pattison displayed immense enthusiasm as they arrived, eager to put on their dancing shoes once again. Joining them will be judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, with Janette Manrara reprising her role as the tour host.
The upcoming 2026 tour guarantees a two-hour spectacle of captivating dance routines, featuring group performances accompanied by live music from the BBC Strictly band. While the judges will provide feedback during each show, it will be the audience who determines the nightly winner through voting.
Expressing her anticipation, Shirley remarked, “The Strictly live tour is always the best way to start the new year. I can’t wait for 2026 to be back on the road with Anton and Craig and bring the magic of Strictly to fans across the country. Roll on January.”
Du Beke also shared his excitement, saying, “I’m back for my fourth Strictly tour and it honestly just keeps getting better and better. Sitting behind the judges’ desk and watching the excitement from the audience night after night is just magical and, as I’ve said before, we love it just as much as they do. I’m very excited to see what Craig has planned for next year.”
Among the returning participants, Ellie Goldstein exuded joy at being back in the dance studio, while George Clarke, although not the previous year’s champion, was thrilled to resume dancing. Aljaz Škorjanec, Layton Williams, and Vicky Pattison were also seen preparing for the tour, each expressing their eagerness to hit the dance floor once more.
Additionally, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey have confirmed their participation in the 2026 tour, arriving at rehearsals with enthusiasm. The returning presence of La Voix, Luba Mushtuk, Alexis Warr, Julian Caillon, and Vito Coppola alongside Ellie Goldstein promises an exciting and anticipated tour for fans.