We’re having strictly fun dancing
FAKE tan and body glitter are no match for the brrrracing North Sea – as this motley crew of Strictly Come Dancing stars found out yesterday.
Hardier members of the touring cast from last year’s series descended on Tynemouth beach for a bracing dip before the show’s first night in Newcastle.
The annual post-Christmas Strictly circuit kicked off in Birmingham last week, with champions Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice being crowned as winners every night so far.
While the duo were nowhere to be seen at Long Sands, keen swimmer Sara Davies convinced plenty of other celebs, hoofers and crew to brave the elements. The County Durham-born star of Dragons’ Den told her followers online: “Nobody has a wet suit, some of them don’t even have swimming costumes, but we’re going in!” Sara was joined by contestants Rhys Stephenson and Tilly Ramsay, left with Sara, plus pro dancers Kai Widdrington, Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin. The cohort warmed up with hot chocolate afterwards in preparation for their first of three shows at Newcastle’s arena. Bruno Tonioli is back for the tour alongside Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas.