Strictly sparkles on live tour

Buy photos » The celebrity line-up for the 2012 tour. (s)

GLITZ, glamour and giggles - it was all there as the Strictly Come Dancing live tour kicked off on Friday (January 20) at Birmingham's NIA.

Top celebrities including last series' finalists Harry Judd, Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan have all signed themselves up to appear alongside the professional dancers in a fast-paced and witty evening where dancing, judging and more sparkles than you could shake a stick at were combined to keep the whole audience entertained.

As well as two dances from each couple, the crowd was treated to the acerbic put downs of Craig Revel-Horwood, the knowledgable comments of Len Goodman and over-the-top double entendres from Bruno Tonioli.

Host Kate Thorton kept the whole thing together, managing to control the sometimes extravagent celebrities (Nancy Dell'Ollio being the main culprit) effortlessly while also bringing some extra humour to the proceedings.

Audience members were invited to vote after each couple had performed for the first time, with a portion of the cost of the text going to Sport Relief. It was an added way for the crowd to involve themselves in the night and also meant one of the couples got to lift the Strictly glitterball trophy at the end.

A definite highlight of the night, aside from Nancy's bizarre dances which involved her sitting down for most the time and her constant talking over the judges, was when all of the stars - including the judges and Kate Thorton - took to the floor together in a grand finale which left everyone with a great big grin on their face as they left the NIA.

Overall, it was a top night out - whether you're there for the dancing or just for the humour, it is well worth putting your dancing shoes on for.

Visit www.strictlycomedancinglive.com for tour dates and more information.