More stars join Strictly line up

The latest stars to join next year’s tour are model Abbey Clancy, Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid and Westlife heartthrob Nicky Byrne.

Already set to grace the dancefloor during the live shows were former England Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen, Coronation Street’s Natalie Gumede and actor and funny man Mark Benton.

The multi-million pound production will visit the Capital FM Arena Nottingham on 4th and 5th February 2014.

Alongside the exciting celebrity line-up, Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli are back as the tour’s formidable judges. They will be on hand to give their expert feedback and all important scores to the celebrities and their dance partners.

And former Strictly favourite Lisa Riley is returning to the glitterball dance floor, this time as host of the 2014 tour.

On announcing her place on the tour, Susanna Reid said: “Strictly is intense, absorbing, enormously demanding and endlessly enjoyable.

“I’m thrilled I’m going to be part of the tour, I’ll be making sure I’m on top form, to put on the best show possible for the wonderful arena audiences around the country.”

Nicky Byrne, who competed in the 2012 TV series, added: “A Strictly experience is like no other and I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the show.

“After originally deciding to retire from competitive ballroom dancing and hang up my Cuban heels, I’ve decided to dust them off and give it one more shot to try and change Craig’s mind about my dancing! I’m excited and ready for the challenge - I think!”

Ben Cohen said he was looking forward to the challenge of the arena tour.

He said: “I love to test myself and Strictly has certainly been a challenge, but I’m growing in confidence with every week that passes and I’m starting to feel at home on the dance floor now.

“What better way to take things one step further than to perform in front of thousands of people every night, in some of the biggest arenas in the country? Count me in!”

And Natalie Gumede, who is one of the favourites to win the glitterball, added: “I’m having so much fun and I’ve learnt so much already, I just want the experience to last as long as possible.”

Tickets are available to buy now and are priced at £50.40 and £72.80 (price includes administration fee).

They can be booked online, by calling 0843 3733000 or in person at the Arena.