Key Points
- Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope will join the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour after his Season 21 quarter-final run.
- The tour features George Clarke, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Layton Williams, Ellie Goldstein, Vicky Pattison, and more.
- Performances run January 23–February 15, with 30 shows across major UK cities.
- Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood return, with Janette Manrara hosting.
- Each show will include British Sign Language interpretation to enhance accessibility.
Lewis Cope Makes His Strictly Comeback for the 2026 Live Tour
Lewis Cope is heading back to the ballroom. The Emmerdale star, who competed in the most recent season of Strictly Come Dancing with professional partner Katya Jones, has confirmed he will join the 2026 UK live tour.
Calling the opportunity “thrilling and an honour,” Cope said he’s “not ready to hang up [his] dancing shoes just yet,” adding that his quarter-final exit only strengthened his desire to return to the stage.
A Packed Lineup of Fan-Favourite Contestants
Cope joins a diverse roster of celebrities preparing to bring the Strictly magic to arenas across the country. Among the confirmed performers:
- George Clarke with partner Alexis Warr
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with Lauren Oakley
- Layton Williams, returning as a special guest with Nikita Kuzmin
- Ellie Goldstein with Vito Coppola
- Vicky Pattison with Kai Widdrington
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey with Karen Hauer
- La Voix (Christopher Dennis) with Aljaž Škorjanec
Williams, who became one of the breakout stars of the season, expressed excitement about reuniting with Kuzmin for the tour.
Tour Dates, Judges, and Accessibility Features
The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will run from January 23 to February 15, spanning 30 shows in major cities including Glasgow, London, and Manchester.
Returning to the judging panel are Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, while beloved former pro dancer and It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara will host.
In a continued push for inclusivity, each performance will feature a British Sign Language interpreter, displayed on two large screens beside the stage to ensure all audiences can fully enjoy the show.
Finalists Prepare for the Glitterball as Tour Hype Builds
As excitement for the tour grows, George Clarke remains in the running for the Strictly glitterball trophy, competing against finalists Karen Carney and Amber Davies. The grand final airs this Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Tickets for the live tour are now available through the official website, with fans expected to fill arenas for what promises to be one of the most entertaining Strictly tours yet.
