STRICTLY strutted into Newcastle bringing glitz and glamour and a liberal sprinkling of sequins in its wake.

But the most bonkers – and memorable – moment of the entire show was the dance finale following the competition.

In the words of judge Craig Revel Horwood, who is also directing the tour, it was fab-u-lous.

Suffice to say, seeing Craig and fellow judges Bruno and Len shaking a leg to the tune of Born This Way was a surreal moment.

And then there was Italian siren Nancy Dell’Olio reliving her coffin scene from the BBC1 show.

Trust me, seeing is believing. It was a suitably rousing finale to the fun, be-sequinned feelgood show. And the fans whooped it up, everyone on their feet bopping by the end.

The magnificent seven celebs strutting their stuff were reigning Strictly champ Harry Judd from McFly, runners-up Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, ex-Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, ex-footballer Robbie Savage and the unforgettable Nancy.

And not forgetting the fab professionals who set the scene by bursting onto stage to the tune of I’m Coming Out.

This is a full-on show with a great line-up, all held together by excellent host Kate Thornton. The quartet of strong singers and the band really enhanced the experi ence.

As you’d expect there’s fake tan galore, much gyrating, plenty of bare chests and daring dance lifts. And it’s also peppered with double entendres. The arena looked suitably glitzy, with chandeliers and glitter balls throwing light all over the dance floor with its raised platform.

The judges, for the most part, were tucked behind their desk and engaged in lots of banter with the dancers.

Each celeb performed two of their best numbers and as well as being scored by the judges, the audience voted by text, with a portion of the money raised going to Sport Relief.

In a recurring theme from the tour, Harry and partner Aliona waltzed off the winners for Newcastle’s opening night, with Chelsee and Pasha runners-up.

The dances seemed slower paced than on TV and a little shorter in length and there were fewer props.

Stand-outs were Anita’s Charleston, Mark’s wonderful waltz, Harry’s tango, all sultry and slinky, kicks and flicks, Chelsee’s light-as-a-feather quickstep and Jason’s jive.

Robbie did his customary leap onto the judges’ desk while Nancy managed to perform both dances largely sitting down!

A-maz-ing.

Katharine Capocci