Strictly Come Dancing Welcomes Star’s Return Weeks After Elimination

In a thrilling development, soap star Lewis Cope is set to make a return to Strictly Come Dancing. He will join the lineup for the much-anticipated live UK tour next year. Cope, who is 30 years old and a former participant in Emmerdale, was eliminated alongside his partner Katya Jones in the quarter-finals of the BBC One dance competition just two weeks ago.

Strictly Come Dancing Tour Line-up

Cope expressed his excitement, stating he felt “thrilled and honoured” to reprise his dancing journey. He mentioned, “I’m not ready to hang up my dancing shoes just yet.” Joining him are a formidable group of stars:

• George Clarke, a social media star and current finalist
• Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, former Chelsea footballer
• Layton Williams, a musical theatre talent

Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr are among the show’s final participants returning for the tour. Hasselbaink and his partner Lauren Oakley were the fourth couple to exit the competition. Williams, who thrilled audiences in 2023, will team up with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin for this special event.

More Contestants Joining the Tour

The lineup also includes:

• Model Ellie Goldstein with Vito Coppola
• Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison partnered with Kai Widdrington
• Former Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey with Karen Hauer
• Drag artist La Voix, also known as Christopher Dennis, with Aljaz Skorjanec

Tour Dates and Locations

The Strictly Come Dancing live tour will host 30 shows across the UK starting from January 23 to February 15 next year. Key locations include:

• Glasgow
• London
• Manchester

Previously announced judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood will also be part of the tour. Janette Manrara, the presenter of It Takes Two and a former Strictly pro, will host the events.

Tour Features

Fans can expect a similar format to the television show, complete with audience voting for their favorite couple. Each performance will feature a British Sign Language interpreter, prominently displayed on large screens flanking the stage.

As Clarke prepares to compete for the glitterball trophy against former England Lionesses footballer Karen Carney and reality star Amber Davies, Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are eager for the grand final airing this Saturday at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Tickets for the upcoming tour are now available through the tour’s official website.