New star names for Strictly tour to Newcastle

ACTRESS Georgia May Foote, celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott and Bradford TV presenter Anita Rani are the next celebrity contestants confirmed to compete in next year's Strictly Come Dancing UK tour, which visits Newcastle in February.

The trio join Frankie Bridge from The Saturdays, the 2016 host of the tour Mel Giedroyc, and judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood (who also directs the tour) and Bruno Tonioli for the 30-date live extravaganza.

They will be reunited with more celebrities and professional dancers from this year’s ratings winning BBC1 TV series, who will take to the dance floor to recreate their dazzling moves and compete for votes from the judges. More names will be announced soon.

Georgia May Foote shot to national fame when she played the role of Katy Armstrong in ITV1’s Coronation Street for five years from 2010. Ainsley Harriott is best known for appearing on many hit TV cookery shows and his current series isAinsley Harriott’s Street Food and Len & Ainsley’s Big Food Adventure (with Strictly judge, Len Goodman).

Anita Rani presents on BBC1’s The One Show, Watchdog and Countryfile, appearing alongside former North-East Strictly star Matt Baker.

Anita says: “I'm over the moon to be able to carry on the glittery experience and join the tour. I hope everyone comes down for a northern knees up.”

* February 3–4, Newcastle MetroRadio Arena, 0844-493-6666. (Wednesday 3rd at 7.30pm, Thursday 4th at 2.30pm and 7.30pm). Tickets: £35 to £65. All ticket prices are subject to a booking fee. Tour booking number: 0844-875-8758

or online ticketzone.co.uk or ticketmaster.co.uk

Viv Hardwick