Strictly Come Dancing announces Ellie Leach, Angela Rippon and Layton Williams as the first celebrities to join the glitzy 2024 arena tour

Strictly Come Dancing has announced the first three celebrities to perform on the 2024 UK Arena tour.

Former Corrie actress Ellie Leach, 22, will join Angela Rippon, 79, and Layton Williams, 29, as they dazzle audiences across the country.

All three, who are participating in the current series, will put on their dancing shoes in January together with other stars yet to be named for the 30 dazzling shows.

They are joined by Strictly legends Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood returning to their judges’ seats and tour host, It Takes Two’s Janette Manrara.

Following the announcement, Ellie said: ‘I said before that appearing on Strictly was a dream come true and now I’m going on tour too!’.

Line-up: Former Corrie actress Ellie Leach, 22, will join Angela Rippon, 79 (left) and Layton Williams, 29 (right) as they dazzle audiences across the country

‘I can’t wait until January to experience it all again – it’s going to be amazing!’.

While Angela said: ‘Having really challenged myself on the TV show over the last seven weeks, it will be great to continue the Strictly Magic on tour next year.’

‘From hosting Come Dancing to performing in front of over 10,000 people at The O2 – I have truly completed the ultimate Strictly journey!’.

With Layton adding: ‘The Strictly tour means more sequins – lots of sequins! I couldn’t think of a better way to end this fantastic experience. I can’t wait to dance in arenas across the country and meet all the fans who have supported my journey.”

The 2024 tour kicks off on January 19 at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham before heading to Utilita Arena Sheffield, Utilita Arena Newcastle, OVO Hydro Glasgow, M&S Bank Arena Liverpool, First Direct Arena Leeds, AO Arena Manchester, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham and finally The O2 in London. culminating on February 11.

The tour jury judges each performance, with the audience voting for the winner.

It comes after Angela broke her silence after being rescued from the dance competition on Sunday night when the contestants were halfway through the competition.

The broadcaster was forced to compete against Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk in the dancing competition, with all four judges choosing to save Angela and her partner Kai Widdrington over the Waterloo Road actor.

Perfect 10? They are joined by Strictly legends Shirley Ballas (C) Anton Du Beke (R) and Craig Revel Horwood (L) who return to their judges’ seats

Leading the charge: It Takes Two’s Janette Manrara will host the glitzy show

The 2024 tour kicks off at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on January 19 before heading to Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and finally The O2 in London, culminating on February 11

But despite the unanimous decision, fans were left furious that the ‘wrong person’ went home after the terrifying confrontation between the two couples.

Appearing on It Takes Two with host Fleur East on Tuesday night, Angela opened up about how it was ‘tough’ competing against Adam in the dance-off.

When Fleur asked her if she was nervous about going up against Adam to fight for a spot in the competition, Andrea explained that the show is getting tougher and no one is safe.

“I think the situation we’re in at the moment is the pool is getting so small now, there’s only eight of us now. If there are only three people in the final, it gets harder every week and someone gets eliminated.

Back to dance again: It comes after Angela broke her silence after being rescued from the dance competition on Sunday night as the contestants reached the halfway point of the competition

End of the road: Adam became the sixth contestant to be eliminated from the show after his rumba to his wedding song failed to earn him a spot on next week’s show

“The hard part about it is that Adam is such a nice guy. We all absolutely adore him, we have all become good friends.

“If you’re the other person in the dance-off, you know you’re going to be competing with someone who’s become a buddy. It’s tough, it’s tough.’

Still, Angela confessed that she also saw the positives in redoing her routine, as she explained, “Oh, it was really disturbing. I was angry at myself because I clearly hadn’t done everything Kai had been pushing into me over the past week.

‘At the same time, the advantage is that we have to dance it again. It was wonderful to be able to do it again.’

COME STRICTLY DANCE 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS

Angela Rippon

Age: 78

Profession: Journalist

Angela says: ‘Having been a Strictly fan since day one and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, as I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and perhaps the opportunity to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’

Layton Williams

Age: 28

Profession: Actor

Layton says: ‘Absolutely exciting to confirm that I will be taking part in Britain’s most iconic dancing competition! It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I’m so excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!”

Age: 53

Profession: Journalist

Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused that I’m joining Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start dancing, but I’m a little worried about my general decline.”

Age: 40

Profession: Comedian and radio host

Eddy says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to who I am. I’m so incredibly proud and honored that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team. I promise I’ll give you everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.

Angela Scanlon

Age: 39

Profession: TV presenter

Angela says:I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing. I’ve never danced, apart from drunkenly jiving at a wedding!’

Adam Thomas

Age: 34

Profession: Actor and presenter

Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life, but I like to learn and laugh with my professional. Take me to the dance floor… I can’t wait!’

Age: 22

Profession: Coronation Street star

Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to do Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine, so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’

Age: 20

Profession: EastEnders star and model

Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up, I can’t wait to start training as a professional dancer and add a few moves to my locker. I look forward to performing for everyone.”

Nigel Harman

Age: 49

Profession: Actor

Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people twisted and turned around the screen. And now it’s my turn…gulp!’

Age: 57

Profession: Announcer and ex-tennis player

Annabel says: ‘I’ve always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and I’m looking forward to finding some joy in the process.’