The live tour rehearsals are officially underway, and this year’s stars have been spotted reuniting in high spirits.
Celebrities and professional dancers alike were seen outside the rehearsal studios, wrapped up in jackets and jumpers as they fought through the January cold to prepare for their upcoming performances.
Among those arriving was Love Island star , opera singer , actor , and Strictly pros Neil Jones and Karen Hauer. Miranda star also joined the group.
While the 2024 Strictly stars could be seen smiling and laughing together ahead of the new tour, one key figure was notably absent – this year’s winner, comedian .
Fans hoping to see Chris and his pro partner Dianne Buswell perform their winning routines on tour were left disappointed when the comedian revealed he would not be participating.
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The Strictly cast of 2024 have reunited for rehearsals (Image: James Curley)
In an interview with Ranvir Singh on Lorraine, Chris about his decision to sit the tour out.
He told the show host: “It’s been a really emotional Saturday night, and I’m still feeling quite worn down by it.
“Three and a half months – it’s relentless. Physically and mentally, it takes a toll.”
Chris explained that the rigours of the competition, combined with his pre-existing stand-up commitments, made the tour impossible to fit into his schedule.
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The stars and pro dancers looked delighted to be back together (Image: James Curley)
He also pointed out that he never anticipated being the one to lift the Glitterball trophy at the end of Strictly.
He added: “I started my tour in January this year and did the first leg until May. We moved dates to accommodate Strictly, but no one thought I’d make it this far!
“I didn’t think I’d be going on tour on the back of Strictly. I thought I’d have about two months off.”
However, the remaining Strictly celebs appeared thrilled to be back in their dancing shoes.
Many of the dancers were bundled up against the January cold snap (Image: James Curley)
looked chic in an oversized fur coat, while kept it casual in a black padded jacket.
shared his excitement for the rehearsals with fans on social media yesterday, saying: “So looking forward to meeting up with the guys tomorrow. If you’re coming to the Strictly tour, let me know!”
Despite Chris’s absence, the tour promises plenty of thrilling performances and backstage fun.
Fans will get their ballroom fix when the tour kicks off in Birmingham on January 17.
Meanwhile those keen on catching Chris off the dancefloor can get tickets to his upcoming stand-up tour.