The hugely popular Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour has officially confirmed its return to Liverpool, with two dates scheduled at the M&S Bank Arena on January 28 and 29, 2026. The nationwide arena tour will feature judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, with former professional dancer Janette Manrara returning as the host.
Key Takeaways
- Event: Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour 2026.
- Liverpool Dates: Tuesday, January 28 and Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
- Venue: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool.
- Confirmed Personnel: Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, with Janette Manrara as host.
- Interactive Element: The live audience votes to decide the winner at each performance.
Liverpool Set for Two Nights of Glitz and Glamour
Fans of the hit BBC television show will have the opportunity to experience the magic of the ballroom live when the tour arrives in the city. The M&S Bank Arena will host the spectacular production for two consecutive nights at the end of January 2026.
The show promises to bring the energy and excitement of the TV series to a live audience, complete with dazzling costumes, intricate choreography, and live music from the acclaimed Strictly Come Dancing band. The line-up of celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners who will participate in the tour is expected to be announced in the coming months, following the conclusion of the television series.
A Nationwide Spectacle
The Liverpool dates are part of a major 30-show UK tour. The tour will begin in Birmingham on January 23 before visiting other major cities including Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow, and Nottingham. The grand finale is scheduled to take place at The O2 in London on February 15, 2026.
Judges and Host Share Their Excitement
The familiar judging panel from the television series will be on hand to critique the performances each night. Head Judge Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood will all take their seats on the panel, offering their expert opinions and trademark commentary.
Shirley Ballas on Starting the New Year with Strictly
Head Judge Shirley Ballas expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming tour, highlighting it as a highlight of her year. She looks forward to reconnecting with fans across the country.
“The Strictly live tour is always the best way to start the new year. I can’t wait for 2026 to be back on the road with Anton and Craig and bring the magic of Strictly to fans across the country. Roll on January.”
Anton Du Beke on the Magic of the Live Audience
Anton Du Beke, who is participating in his fourth tour as a judge, spoke about the unique atmosphere of the live shows. He emphasised the connection between the performers and the audience.
“I’m back for my fourth Strictly tour and it honestly just keeps getting better and better,” said Du Beke. “Sitting behind the judges’ desk and watching the excitement from the audience night after night is just magical and, as I’ve said before, we love it just as much as they do.”
He also added his anticipation for the production itself, stating, “I’m very excited to see what Craig has planned for next year.”
Craig Revel Horwood Directs an Unforgettable Show
In addition to his role as a judge, Craig Revel Horwood will also serve as the director of the live tour. He is responsible for translating the television format into a large-scale arena production, a task he has successfully managed for several years.
Revel Horwood promised a show that captures all the elements that fans love about the BBC series, but on a grander scale. The production is set to feature show-stopping dance routines, including impressive group numbers that are a hallmark of the tour.
Audience Becomes the Fourth Judge
A key feature of the live tour is the interactive voting system. While the judges provide their scores and feedback, the ultimate decision rests with the audience. Each night, attendees can vote for their favourite couple via text, and the pair with the most votes will be crowned the winner for that performance.
Speaking about the tour, Craig Revel Horwood encouraged fans to attend for an immersive experience.
“If you love the BBC series, then you will love the Strictly live tour. We bring all the glitz, glamour and gorgeousness to an arena near you, so fans can enjoy the spectacle of the TV show and their favourite celebrities and dancers up-close and personal. It’s a fab-u-lous night out for the whole family to enjoy.”
Event Information and Booking
The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is a significant event in the UK's entertainment calendar, drawing large crowds in every city it visits. The two-hour performance is designed to be a family-friendly event, offering a chance to see the stars of the show in person.
The M&S Bank Arena, located on Liverpool's iconic waterfront, is a premier venue for large-scale productions, with a capacity that allows for the elaborate staging required for the Strictly tour. Further details regarding ticket sales and show times for the Liverpool dates can be found on the official M&S Bank Arena website.
Organisers have described the upcoming tour as being “more dazzling than ever before,” suggesting that audiences can expect a high-quality production with impressive technical elements and stunning performances. As a staple of winter entertainment, the tour continues to be a popular choice for fans of dance and live events.