STRICTLY Come Dancing have revealed the first three stars to sign up to next year’s live tour.
A number of this year’s Strictly celebrities and a selection of the professional dancers will be joined by the judges as they tear up dancefloors across the UK in 2023.
The first three stars to sign up for the Strictly live tour have been announced
Fan favourite Will Mellor is the first big name to be announced on the tour’s line-up.
Speaking about the upcoming tour, Will said: “Strictly has been one of the most memorable and emotional journeys I’ve ever been on!
“Stepping out of my comfort zone and being a part of this massive show is something I’ll never forget.
“I can’t wait to put on my dancing shoes and go around the country to perform on huge stages in front of thousands of people who have watched and supported us. Bring on the tour.”
He will be joined by Kiss FM host Tyler West and Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds.
Tyler said: “I never realised how much dance would change my life but I can’t express how much I’ve loved it and fully embraced this opportunity to learn to dance with the best dance partner anyone could ask for in Dianne [Buswell].
“I am so happy my Strictly journey isn’t over quite yet and I can’t wait to relive some of our favourite dances and live like a pop-star on tour performing for audiences each night! I am buzzing to get on the road with the gang.”
Ellie added: Strictly was a such an incredible life-changing and emotional experience for me – it gave me a huge confidence boost and the feeling that anything is possible.
“So to be able to continue my journey on the tour next year is going to be amazing. I can’t wait.”
Opening at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on 20 January, the live show will then waltz around the UK to some of the biggest entertainment venues including Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, Leeds’ First Direct Arena, the AO Arena Manchester, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, London’s O2 Arena and the SSE Arena Belfast.
The tour will end at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on 12 February.
Two Pints Of Lager star Will is going to be dancing the Charleston to Hush by Kula Shaker this weekend.
Tyler and Ellie, who have both left the competition, are still avid viewers and will return for the show’s final.
Hamza Yassin is currently the bookie’s favourite to win the BBC dancing competition, with Helen Skelton at 9/2 and Will at 16/1.
Comedian Ellie Taylor is currently the outsider with odds of 100/1 to win the show.
She is also tipped to be the next star to leave the competition this weekend.
Former Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh has been forced out of the competition this week because of covid.
Kym tested positive for the virus and has now been forced to sit out a week with her partner, Graziano Di Prima.
A statement said: “Kym has tested positive for Covid-19. As a result, Kym and Graziano will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.
“Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week.”
It comes just weeks after she was forced to miss rehearsals after falling ill.
At the time she said: “I will pull myself through, it is only one of those 24 hour things and I think you have got to get out there and do it, no matter what.
“Even if you have bits dropping off you have to get out there!”
As well as health struggles, former Corrie star Kym has really struggled with her anxiety on the show.
Just a few weeks ago HOAR told how Kym had even contemplated quitting after a devastating anxiety attack left her frozen with panic and unable to perform.
The incident brought rehearsals to a standstill, and Kym admitted: “It just came over me, almost out of nowhere, and I couldn’t carry on.”
Will Mellor, who is third favourite to win the show, is the first star to be announced for the live tour next year
He will be joined by Strictly celebrity star Ellie Simmonds
Kiss FM DJ Tyler West will also perform across the UK on the tour in 2023
