CHAMPIONS
the Hydro are the loudest on UK tour
I just couldn’t believe all the noise – Glasgow were the loudest
scale. I’m used to Elstree, where the live TV show is filmed in front of 500 guests, but that doesn’t prepare you for being in front of thousands of fantastic Strictly fans.”
This year the tour will feature Glitterball champion Stacey Dooley dancing with Aljaz Skorjanec and other competitors from this year’s show, including Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev, Dr Ranj Singh with Janette Manrara, Lauren Steadman and AJ Pritchard, Joe Sugg with Dianne Buswell, Graeme Swann and Karen Clifton, and Faye Tozer with Giovanni Pernice.
For Darcey, the UK tour dates – hosted by former champion Ore Oduba and which include three nights in Glasgow from February 1 to 3 – are also a chance to get to know everyone properly.
She said: “On a Saturday, it’s not so easy to chat as it is such a busy day. But you become one big family on the road.
“It reminds me of when I did my first big tour with the Royal Ballet to Asia when I was 18. It was the most exciting experience and, even with the hard work, I’ll never forget it. I feel the same way about the Strictly tour.” This wil l also be Shirley’s first Strictly tour. The 59-5year-old, who was appoappointed head judge in 2017 aafter the departure of Len Goodman, has been told what to expect. She said: “I’m told by the judges the atmosphere and the energy are something that have to be tasted first-hand to be believed. The four of us get along very well so I ’m expecting it to be a fun extravaganza. “Apart from anything else, it means I’ll get to meet so many of the people who’ve watched and enjoyed the show at home.” Shirley also revealed that Craig asked her to dance at each venue. She added: “The prospect doesn’t make me nervous so much as excited in anticipation. I’ve got rid of all my nerves on the TV show.”