Kevin Clifton to star in Strictly Ballroom musical
He will be appearing on stage from september
GRIMSBY’S Kevin Clifton has made a ‘Strictly awesome announcement’ on ITV’s Lorraine.
The former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer teased an announcement on his social media channels, leaving fans wondering whether he would be making a return to the BBC show.
On Tuesday night he tweeted “Got something pretty cool to announce tomorrow morning” following by dancing emojis. He then teased further this morning with: “Chatting to Lorraine in a bit with a ‘Strictly’ awesome announcement” - again followed by dancing emojis.
One fan Sue Ellis replied: “Are you Coming back to Strictly???? OMG yes yes yes please.”
Alisha McKelly tweeted: “I hope you’re returning, I have missed you!!!!
Claire Knott tweeted: “You’re going back?!!!
But sadly the dancer revealed on ITV’s Lorraine that he is not returning to the show - but will be appearing on stage to fulfil a lifelong ambition playing Scott Hastings in Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical from September. Kevin left Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 to appear in the musical but then the coronavirus pandemic hit
He told Lorraine: “I saw Strictly Ballroom when I was about 10 years old. I loved it, became obsessed with it. I told my mum and dad that one day they would make a musical out of it and I want to be in it.”
The show has a real Strictly theme through and through as it is directed and choreographed by Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood.
Kevin’s co-star who will play Fran is Maisie Smith who will be making her musical theatre debut. The former EastEnders actress competed in the eighteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 alongside partner Gorka Marquez, reaching the final but losing out to Bill Bailey.
The publicity campaign for the show states: “Strictly Ballroom the musical follows arrogant, rebellious young ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings. When his radical and daring dance style sees him fall out of favour with Australian Federation, he must dance with beginner, Fran. Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom!
“Featuring smash-hit songs Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time, and all new music written by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. This feel-good ballroom sensation is sure to make for an unforgettable evening under the glitter ball that will send your heart soaring and toes tapping!”
The UK and Ireland tour starts in September. and carries on into 2023.
The nearest venue to northern Lincolnshire is Hull New Theatre from March 6-11, 2023.
For tickets, visit www.strictlyballroomtour.co.uk/