Some Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left disappointed days after the 2022 series came to an end. Last Saturday night viewers of the BBC One show watched as the final four couples battled it out for the final time on the ballroom floor in a bid to be crowned the new champions.
Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez, Fleur East and Vito Coppola, Hamza Yassin and Jowita Prytzal and Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu all performed three routines each as they vied to impress viewers of the dance competition, as the judges' scores were for guidance only, with their moves one last time.
And it was wildlife cameraman Hamza and his professional dance partner Jowita who emerged victorious and lifted the Glitterball in emotional scenes.
But just as the dust started to settle on the 20th run of Strictly, there was a final announcement about the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour which returns to arenas across the country in the new year. It was revealed that finalists Helen Skelton and Fleur East have joined the cast of the show's tour, joining their previously announced co-stars.
They'll join Moll and Carlos and Strictly 2022 champions Hamza and Jowita who have also been confirmed to be taking part in the string of arena shows. They will also be joined by the previously announced Will Mellor and Nancy Xu Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin, and Tyler West and Dianne Buswell on the dance floor.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke, who is part of the tour for the first time, will be joined by Janette Manrara as host. But as Helen and Fleur's addition to the line-up was announced, fans couldn't help but comment on Helen's change in dance partner.
The Countryfile host won't be dancing with Gorka but instead partner with Kai Widdrington who was the first out of this year's Strictly alongside Loose Women star Kaye Adams. But that wasn't all fans spotted as it was confirmed that the couples will be joined on tour by professional dancers Amy Dowden, Neil Jones, Robbie Kmetoni, Jake Leigh, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.
But some fans were gutted as they figured out who would be missing from the live shows this year - including Gorka, Giovanni Pernice and Johannes Radebe.
@pitman.jim said: "No Giovanni or Gorka...whats the point !!!!!!both best two male dancers without those two guys not worth going." @karen.hubbard.30 wrote: "Can’t believe Johannes isn’t doing the tour this time." @being.s_____ shared: "So gutted there's no Johannes and Ellie." @kerry_turner78 asked: " Why isn’t @johannesradebe on the tour?"
Others, however, were impressed and exciting to head out and see the show in 2023. @jennifrost21 said: "This I have gotta see, all my favourites. Let's hope Helen does just as well without gorka." @saraeb_209 commented: "What a great lineup!" @lep1970 added: "Can’t wait - fantastic to get the final 4 couples in there. It’s going to be another wonderful tour."
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