The glitterball is hitting the road again, as the final line-up for the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 live arena tour has been confirmed, featuring a swift comeback for a recently eliminated fan favourite.
From Quarter-Final Exit to Tour Comeback
Lewis Cope, the former Emmerdale actor, will be lacing up his dancing shoes once more just weeks after his departure from the BBC One competition. The 30-year-old and his professional partner Katya Jones were voted out in the quarter-finals two weeks ago, but their journey is far from over.
Cope expressed his delight at the news, stating he was “thrilled and honoured” to join the tour and adding, “I’m not ready to hang up my dancing shoes just yet.” He is one of four final celebrities announced for the nationwide spectacle.
Full Star-Studded Tour Line-Up Revealed
Completing the roster alongside Cope are social media influencer and current finalist George Clarke with partner Alexis Warr, former Chelsea footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with Lauren Oakley, and 2023 standout Layton Williams as a special guest.
Williams, the 31-year-old musical theatre star, will reunite with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, saying he was “so excited” to partner with him again. “It’s an honour to be asked back and able to do this twice. Thank you and see you soon,” he added.
They join a host of other previously announced couples from the 2025 series, including:
- Model Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
- Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
- Former Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
- Drag artist La Voix (Christopher Dennis) and Aljaz Skorjanec
Tour Dates, Judges, and How to Vote
The Strictly Come Dancing live tour will embark on a major 30-date run across the UK, kicking off at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on 23 January 2026 and concluding on 15 February 2026. The tour will visit major cities including Glasgow, London, and Manchester.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood will be on the panel, with It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara confirmed as the host. In a format mirroring the TV show, the live audience at each venue will get the chance to vote for their favourite couple to win the glittering trophy.
Each performance will also feature a British Sign Language interpreter, whose feed will be displayed on two large screens flanking the stage to ensure accessibility for all fans.
Tickets for the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 live tour are on sale now via the official tour website.
