08 November 2023 , 12:00
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Angela Rippon and Ellie Leach are among the first stars who have been announced for Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 tour.
The duo, as well as Layton Williams, are the first celebrities announced, they will be joined by Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood as the judges while Strictly: It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara will host.
Talking about taking part in the tour, Angela, 79, who is partnered with Kai Widdrington on the show, said: "Having really challenged myself on the TV show over the last seven weeks, it’s going to be wonderful to continue the Strictly magic on the tour next year.
Angela Rippon is announced for Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 tour (PA)
Ellie Leach is announced for Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 tour (BBC/Ray Burmiston)"From hosting Come Dancing to performing for over 10,000 people at The O2 – I really will have completed the ultimate Strictly journey."
Elsewhere, Coronation Street star Ellie, 22, said: "I said before that appearing on Strictly was a dream come true, and now I will get to be on the tour as well. I can’t wait for January to experience it all over again – it’s going to be a blast." While Layton, 29, added: "The Strictly tour means more sequins – lots and lots of sequins. I couldn’t think of a better way to end this fab experience. I can’t wait to dance in arenas across the country and meet all the fans that have supported my journey."
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The tour will be at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena from January 19 until January 21, Sheffield Utilita Arena on January 23, and the Newcastle Utilita Arena from January 24 to 25.
Layton Williams is announced for Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 tour (Copyright remains with handout provider)There will also be dates at the OVO Hydro Glasgow, M&S Bank Arena Liverpool, First Direct Arena Leeds, AO Arena Manchester, and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham. The tour ends at The O2 Arena in London, where there will performances from February 9 to 11.
The tour also provides a British sign language interpreter and fans can decide who lifts the Glitterball trophy at the end of each show. As fans wait for more names to be announced, some viewers are fearing one star will be snubbed after Amanda Abbington quit the hit BBC One dance competition last month after she missed an episode due to "medical reasons".
Amanda, 51, revealed she had quit Strictly, saying "personal reasons" led her to leave the show with "the deepest regret". Fans now fear Amanda may not be announced for the tour after quitting the show.
Strictly Come Dancing continues every Saturday with the results show airing on Sunday on BBC One. *Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .