Strictly Come Dancing stars Hamza Yassin and Molly Rainford have joined the cast of the show’s UK arena tour for 2023.
After weeks of storming the dancefloor with trails of glitter and fabulousness, the two favourites will join previously announced contestants Will Mellor, Ellie Simmonds and Tyler West for the 32 shows starting in January.
The duo will be taking part in the semi-final this weekend to score a spot in the final, which is scheduled for December 17 but could be moved depending on the England men’s team’s World Cup progress.
Actress, broadcaster, and singer Molly, 22, said she can’t wait to continue her journey as a Strictly star.
She said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Strictly Live Tour. Performing for the huge arena crowds across the UK is going to be an incredible experience.’
‘I’m really looking forward to continuing my amazing Strictly journey and getting out on the road to meet all the fans.’
Wildlife cameraman Hamza, 32, whose TV work includes Countryfile and Animal Park, is frontrunner to lift the Glitterball trophy and has been a hit with the public.
He said: ‘Strictly has changed my life in ways I never imagined, so to be doing the tour on top of it all is a dream come true.’
‘I’ve heard the tour audiences are unparalleled, so I’ll be relishing the atmosphere every night, and I’m so excited to share that experience with my fellow dancers – not to mention the judges.’
Hamza recently wowed judges with a samba to They Live In You from The Lion King with his professional partner Jowita Przystal.
Molly notched a score of 38 after she and dancing partner Carlos staged an impressive Charleston to Hot Honey Rag from Chicago.
The live show visits venues including Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, Leeds’s First Direct Arena, the AO Arena in Manchester and Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.
The dancers will also stop at London’s O2 Arena and the SSE Arena in Belfast, before ending up at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on February 12.
Strictly Come Dancing’s live shows have been an annual fixture ever since 2008, when Flavia Cacace went home with the tour’s crown.
Watch Strictly Come Dancing on BBC iPlayer.
