strictly tour hamza

Strictly's Hamza Yassin battling live tour 'nerves' as he reunites with Jowita before opening night

Strictly Come Dancing champion Hamza Yassin has admitted he has some nerves about the show's live tour

• 12:57, 19 JAN 2023

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Hamza Yassin has admitted he is battling with some nerves ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour starting this weekend.

It's still been just a month since CBBC favourite and wildlife enthusiast Hamza took home the Glitterball trophy in the Strictly final, alongside pro partner Jowita Przystal , but now it's very nearly time for the triumphant couple to take to the floor again, this time at arenas across the country, as fans of the BBC show flock to its annual tour.

The Strictly live tour kicks off in Birmingham on January 20, and, ahead of curtain up the celebs and professional dancers taking part have been busy rehearsing at the city's Utilita Arena. This has meant a ballroom reunion for Hamza and Jowita after their big win, a feat Hamza never imagined would happen.

READ MORE: Strictly's Gorka Marquez gives two word reaction as Helen Skelton seen with new partner

And, as he gets set to perform in front of audiences much bigger than the one in the Strictly studio, he is happy to confess there are some nerves, saying: "’ve still not fully comprehended what actually happened. I never thought I’d make it past week two, let alone getting to appear in huge arenas. I’m nervous and excited, but more on the excited side."

Opening up on the prospect of playing to packed arenas every night for the next three weeks, Hamza added: “I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s completely different to my usual working life. My day job normally sees me nice and quiet, sat somewhere, waiting for animals to turn up and reading their behaviour. Dancing has become a new passion, a new favourite thing for me to do, and I can’t wait to get back on the dance floor.”

During TV interviews to promote the Strictly tour last week, Jowita opened up on Hamza's behind the scenes battle with self doubt during their run on Strictly, explaining: "He is so not confident about himself. He still thinks he can't dance even though he won the show! So to have him in the final with me was like 'maybe now he will believe it' you know?"

Turning to Hamza, she added: "For me, when we lifted the Glitterball it was the best feeling ever, because if I can give you that little boost of confidence."

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Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023: dates, celebrities and all you need to know

The Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023 promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2023 is coming to a town near you, and this year host Janette Manrara has promised the show will be bigger than ever before. 

As Strictly Come Dancing 2022 comes to a close in December, fans of the show know that the live tour traditionally follows the end of the series and will showcase all the breathtaking choreography, stunning costumes and fantastic live music that we see in BBC One’s long-running show. 

The 2023 tour will be directed once again by the A-MAZ-ING Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and will feature many of the celebrities and professional dancers from the current series, together with the Strictly live band.

Audiences around the UK can experience everything they love about the TV show live on stage, getting the chance to not only watch the stars in action as they perform roof-raising routines, but also audiences will once again have the power to decide who wins the Glitterball Trophy at the end of each show. 

Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023 dates

Opening at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on Friday, January 20, the live show will then waltz around the UK to some of the biggest entertainment venues including Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, Leeds’ First Direct Arena, the AO Arena in Manchester, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, London’s O2 Arena and the SSE Arena in Belfast, before culminating at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on Sunday, February 12.

Here is the full list of the 31 sparkle-filled shows coming to a town near you... 

• 20–22 January Birmingham Utilita Arena — Friday 20th at 7.30pm, Saturday 21st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 22nd at 1.30pm & 6.30pm
• 24-25 January Nottingham Motorpoint Arena — Tuesday 24th at 7.30pm, Wednesday at 25th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
• 26-27 January Leeds First Direct Arena — Thursday 26th at 7.30pm, Friday 27th at 7.30pm
• 28-29 January Manchester AO Arena — Saturday 28th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 29th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm
• 31 January Sheffield Utilita Arena — Tuesday 31st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
• 01-02 February Newcastle Utilita Arena — Wednesday 1st at 7.30pm, Thursday 2nd at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
• 03-05 February London The O2 Arena — Friday 3rd at 7.30pm, Saturday 4th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 5th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm
• 07-08 February Belfast SSE Arena — Tuesday 7th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 8th at 2pm & 7.30pm
• 10-12 February Glasgow OVO Hydro — Friday 10th at 7.30pm, Saturday 11th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 12th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm

Each performance of the tour will also host a British Sign Language interpreter, who will be displayed on two very large screens either side of the stage so that attendees can book tickets and sit almost anywhere in the arena to enjoy the experience with family and friends.

Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023: which celebrities are taking part?

As always the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023 will see some of the biggest names from Strictly Come Dancing 2022 return to the dance floor... and the first three celebrities have already been announced. 

Actor Will Mellor ( Broadchurch , Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps ) will be taking part, along with Paralympic swimming champion and broadcaster Ellie Simmonds and Kiss FM radio host, TV presenter and DJ Tyler West. 

Speaking about the upcoming tour, Will Mellor said: " Strictly has been one of the most memorable and emotional journeys I’ve ever been on! Stepping out of my comfort zone and being a part of this massive show is something I’ll never forget. I can’t wait to put on my dancing shoes and go around the country to perform on huge stages in front of thousands of people who have watched and supported us. Bring on the tour!!”

Ellie Simmonds added: “ Strictly was such an incredible life-changing and emotional experience for me — it gave me a huge confidence boost and the feeling that anything is possible! So to be able to continue my journey on the tour next year is going to be amazing. I can't wait!"

Tyler West, whose time on the TV series came to an end in the Blackpool special said: “I never realized how much dance would change my life but I can’t express how much I’ve loved it and fully embraced this opportunity to learn to dance with the best dance partner anyone could ask for in Dianne! I am so happy my Strictly journey isn't over quite yet and I can’t wait to relive some of our favorite dances and live like a pop star on tour performing for audiences each night! I am buzzing to get on the road with the gang.”

Also joining the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023 are Molly Rainford and Hamza Yassin.

Wildlife cameraman Hamza, who is currently one of the Strictly favourites to win the show, said of the tour: “ 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.”

Actress, singer and TV presenter Molly also commented: “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.”

Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023: who are the judges?

The celebrities and their professional dancers will be joined on tour by Strictly Come Dancing judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke, who is appearing on the arena tour for the first time.  

Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023: who is hosting?

The lovely Janette Manrara will be returning to her hosting duties on the new arena tour. The presenter has become a huge favorite with fans over the years having gone from being a professional dancer on the show for many years before turning her hand to presenting the BBC Two spin-off show, Strictly: It Takes Two . 

How to get tickets for the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023

Tickets range from between £35 and £95 depending on seats and venue, and all ticket prices are subject to a booking fee. 

For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

Is there a trailer for the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour 2023?

Yes! The trailer sees all the glitz and glamour from Strictly Come Dancing brought to life on the  arena stage. Expect fake tan, glitter and plenty of fancy footwork as your favourite celebrities battle it out for the glitterball trophy... 

A post shared by Strictly Come Dancing Live (@strictlycomedancinglive) A photo posted by on

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Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off . 

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As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book. 

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Hamza Yassin wins Strictly Come Dancing with partner Jowita Przystał

The CBBC presenter impressed judges during gruelling 13-week series with his style, grace and rhythm

It took two and a half hours and a total of 12 dances – not including the bonus ones from the Strictly professionals and the group dance from the Class of 2022 – but in the end, there could only be one winner. And this year it was Hamza Yassin , a wildlife cameraman and CBBC’s Ranger Hamza, who lifted the glitterball.

For his professional partner, Jowita Przystał, landing a win with a total dance novice in her first year on Strictly was unexpected, and something former Strictly pro and current judge Anton Du Beke failed to achieve in the best part of two decades.

But 32-year-old Yassin impressed the judges with a combination of style, grace and rhythm across all three final dances – a tropical salsa to Ecuador by Sash!, an Afrobeats-inspired couple’s choice routine to Jerusalema by Master KG, and a dazzling showdance to Let’s Face the Music and Dance by Irving Berlin.

The routines showcased Yassin’s outstanding performance skills across Latin and ballroom, and ultimately won the hearts of the Strictly viewers to secure his win over fellow finalists Helen Skelton, Fleur East and Molly Rainford.

An emotional Yassin said: “It’s hard to describe how I feel … Jowita, you are an angel disguised as a human being.”

Przystał said he came into the show with “pigeon toes” and she was honoured to help him win.

During the last show of the series, all couples had to perform a routine chosen by the judges, their own favourite dance and finally a show dance.

After the three advisory scores were given by the judges, East and Vito Coppola were top of the leaderboard with 119 points, with Skelton and Gorka Márquez coming second on 116 points.

Rainford and Carlos Gu received a total of 115 points, and Yassin and Przystał came bottom on 113 points. But the public vote ultimately decided who lifted the coveted glitterball trophy for 2022.

In a gruelling 13-week series that experienced several scheduling changes to accommodate the World Cup, Yassin and Skelton secured enough votes from the judges and public to keep them out of the dance-off danger zone every week, whereas fellow finalists East and Rainford had to dance for survival four times.

Yassin has a break from the dancefloor for a few weeks before rehearsals begin for the Strictly Live Tour; after tonight’s win, he’ll be taking to the Strictly dancefloor as the headline act.

Ranger Hamza now has a couple of extra additions on his CV – Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th winner, and the UK’s newest national treasure.

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