Strictly Come Dancing tour: Celebs all smiles on first day of rehearsals

The Strictly Come Dancing live tour is just weeks away and the celebs are making sure they are ready as they head into their first day of rehearsals and get their dancing shoes on!

The Strictly Come Dancing celebs have arrived for their first day of rehearsals for the 2026 tour which will kick off in Birmingham on January 23 before travelling to Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow and Nottingham. It will finish at London’s O2 on February 15.

Stars including George Clarke and Vicky Pattison couldn’t look more excited to get their dancing shoes back on as they got out of their cars and headed in for their first day back. Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will also be reuniting on the judging panel, with professional dancer Janette Manrara returning as tour host.

The 2026 tour promises two hours of show-stopping dance routines, including group numbers, with live music from the BBC Strictly band. The three judges will offer their opinions on the dancing at each show – but it is the audience who gets to decide who is the winner by voting each night.

Before the tour kicks off, Shirley said: “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 added: “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.”

Ellie Goldstein

Ellie Goldstein looked thrilled to be back at the dance studio and even posed for a snap amid the excitement. The 23-year-old model made history as the first contestant with Down Syndrome to ever appear on the show. But sadly her and Vito were sent home during Halloween week after losing the dance off to EastEnder’s star Balvinder Sopal and pro partner Julian Caillon.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro)

Gladiator and Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey rocked up to rehearsals in a green tracksuit and a suitcase and bag in tow. He looked like he couldn’t wait to get started.

Vicky Pattison

Vicky Pattison competed on Strictly with professional partner Kai Widdrington and finished in 8th place. She is now back and has previously discussed how much she loved the experience so there is no doubt she is excited to get back on that dance floor.

La Voix

There is no keeping this Queen down! After withdrawing from the main show due to injury, La Voix, the popular drag performer and former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant, is thrilled to be making a return.

George Clarke

George Clarke may not have won the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing glitterball but the YouTuber looked happy to be back dancing. The content creator and his professional partner Alexis Warr finished in second place on the show behind winners Karen Carney and Carlos Gu.

Aljaz Škorjanec

Aljaz Škorjanec, who is married to Janette Manrara, was giving enthusiasm as he stepped out his car. During the latest series, Aljaz was paired with La Voix until an injury forced the former Drag Race star to make a shock exit from the competition, whilst Janette was in her usual hosting role on It Takes Two alongside Fleur East.

Layton Williams

Layton Williams is back and will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin again while Amber is not available at the start of 2026 because she is appearing in Legally Blonde The Musical.

Layton Williams couldn’t believe his luck, admitting: “It’s an honour to be asked back and able to do this twice.

ar.”

Luba Mushtuk

While pro dancer Luba Mushtuk won’t have a celebrity partner, she’ll perform group numbers and showcase routines with other pros like Neil Jones and Nancy Xu. She gave a sweet wave as she headed in for the first rehearsals of the year.

Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon

Pro dancers Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon walked side by side as they headed into rehearsals together

Vito Coppola

Vito Coppola will be dancing in the the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2026 with partner Ellie Goldstein. The couple quickly became fan favourites so there is no doubt fans are excited to see them together again.