Strictly Come Dancing tour arrives in Newcastle

Jan 16 2009 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

STRICTLY Come Dancing stars quick-stepped their way to last-minute rehearsals ahead of tonight’s Newcastle show.

The live tour begins at the Metro Radio Arena with a host of household favourites taking to the dance floor.

North East star Jill Halfpenny will reprise her winning moves which led to victory in series two of the BBC1 celebrity show.

The actress, 33, of Gateshead, will be joined by this year’s king of the dance floor, Holby City actor Tom Chambers and his dance partner Camilla Dallerup, along with other top names from the showbiz world.

Singer and former S Club star Rachel Stevens, model Jodie Kidd and Secret Diary... actress Cherie Lunghi complete the line up from the last series.

They will also be joined by ex-Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones, funnyman Julian Clary and rugby ace Kenny Logan, along with their respective dance partners.

And making sure the celebs face their dance demons will be judges Len Goodman, Arlene Phillips, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

Tonioli, who missed the 2008 tour, said he was “so excited” to be taking part this year.

“I really missed out last year,” he said. “The tour was a huge success, and this year it is going to be even better – skilful routines and beautiful costumes brought together by fantastic live music. It is going to be great.”

The six-week tour runs at the Metro Radio Arena from tonight to Sunday.