Layton Williams is joining the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour – despite not being a contestant on this year’s show.
The full line-up for the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour has just been revealed, with Layton confirmed to be joining the line-up alongside his 2023 pro partner Nikita Kuzmin.
The announcement shared that Layton and Nikita will be “reunited and back on the dance floor for a very special guest slot”. However, fans of the show have asked why Layton has joined the line-up, instead of some of this year’s Strictly stars.
Layton and Nikita join Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour
The news that Layton was joining the tour as a special guest baffled some fans of the show. He appeared on the BBC ballroom series in 2023, dancing alongside Nikita Kuzmin. Now, after he danced at Blackpool this year, he’s heading back onto the dance floor.
He said: “What, me? A special guest. Okay!! Omg I’m backkkk and so excited to be reunited with Nikita again to slay the UK! It’s an honour to be asked back and able to do this twice. Thank you and see you soon.”
“I like Layton but hasn’t he already had his turn on tour? Seems a bit unfair that a couple from this year loses a chance so he can go again,” said one. Another asked: “Why is Layton doing it – wasn’t he on the show two years ago?”
Some said the news was “unexpected but amazing”. And others pointed to George and Lewis not being able to take part in every show, so perhaps that’s why Layton has been drafted in.
Who else is on the tour?
Also announced today are Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley and George Clarke and Alexis Warr.
Earlier this month, Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola revealed they are set to reunite and take part in the tour. Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington, La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer are also joining the tour.
The tour will see celebs and pros from the series embark on a UK-wide tour, ending with a big three-day stint at the 02 in London.
Lewis and Katya sign up
After his shock exit in the quarter-final, Lewis Cope is heading out on tour.
He said: “I swapped the Dales for the dance floor to take part in Strictly Come Dancing, and I’m not ready to hang up my dancing shoes just yet! I am thrilled and honoured to continue my Strictly journey as part of the live tour and can’t wait to be reunited with the incredible cast and crew.”
Fans are delighted he’s back, with one declaring: “So happy Lewis is dancing!”
Ellie Goldstein reunited with Vito Coppola
Speaking about signing up, Ellie said: “It was a dream come true to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. And now, I’m over the moon to continue my dancing journey on the Strictly Live arena tour with my Cheeky Team partner, Vito! I can’t wait to see you all on the dancefloor!”
Fans can’t wait to see her either. Posting on Instagram, one said: “Can’t wait to see you and Vito!” Another added: “Amazing! We will come to see you!” A third commented: “Oh wow! Over the moon to hear Ellie and Vito will dance together again.”
Vicky Pattison ‘buzzing like an old fridge’ as she signs up for Strictly tour
After her elimination from the 2025 series, Vicky Pattison will also keep dancing. She’s back for the tour with her 2025 partner Kai Widdrington.
She said: “I had an incredible couple of months on Strictly! Now I’m buzzing like an old fridge that I get to continue this amazing experience and put my dancing shoes back on for the Strictly Live tour at arenas all over the country – including my hometown of Newcastle!”
Strictly stars La Voix and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey sign up for tour
The first two celebrities to sign up for the upcoming Strictly tour were announced last month.
La Voix, who was forced off the show with injury, and Gladiators star Harry are set to travel the UK early next year as part of the annual Strictly tour. La Voix will be joined by her dancing partner, Aljaz Skorjanec.
“I loved being part of Strictly and was devastated when my time on the show was cut short because of injury. But now I’m absolutely thrilled to have the chance to get back on an even bigger dancefloor with the sparkling 2026 Strictly live tour,” she said.
“I can’t wait to sashay my way around the country with my wonderful partner Aljaz by my side,” she then added.
‘Can’t wait’
Harry will also be reunited with his pro from the series, Karen Hauer.
“I’m switching the Gladiators arena for the Strictly live tour arenas and can’t wait to get back on the dance floor,” he said. “It’s amazing to be reunited with Karen again, and we can’t wait to show you what’s in store. Expect more fun, more laughs, and even more energy,” he then added.
Judges and host revealed
Three of the show’s judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke – will also be back for the Live Tour. Additionally, It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara will once again be hosting.
However, the judges are only there for guidance for the audience. And that’s because they will decide who wins the Glitterball Trophy at the end of each show on the tour.
The tour will kick off at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham, on January 23. The tour will then travel to Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Nottingham. It will then conclude with three days at the 02 Arena in London.
Strictly star La Voix lands major theatre role
The tour news came after La Voix was announced to be taking part in the UK and Ireland tour of Annie The Musical. The drag icon will be playing the role of Ms Hannigan at five venues between May and July next year.
“Oh my goodness! OH MY GOODNESS….Introducing @LaVoixTheShow as Miss Hannigan!” read the caption of the Instagram post announcing the news. La Voix will make her debut in the role in May next year.
Read more: Strictly star wades in on ‘unfair advantage’ row
You can buy tickets for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2026 here.
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