The glitterball is spinning its way to the Midlands as the hugely popular Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour prepares to light up Birmingham. Following the climax of the BBC's television series, fans now have the chance to experience the magic, sequins, and sensational choreography live on stage at the Utilita Arena Birmingham.
Tour Dates, Times and How to Secure Tickets
The arena will host five spectacular shows over one dazzling weekend, from Friday, January 23, to Sunday, January 25, 2026. The performance schedule is as follows:
- Friday, January 23 - 7.30pm
- Saturday, January 24 - 2.30pm (matinee)
- Saturday, January 24 - 7.30pm
- Sunday, January 25 - 1.30pm (matinee)
- Sunday, January 25 - 6.30pm
Good news for those hoping to join the audience: last-minute tickets are still available. The official arena ticket partner, AXS, currently lists tickets starting from £42.75 for the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening performances. The Sunday 6.30pm show appears to have the best availability, while the Saturday and Sunday matinees are selling fast. Tickets can also be purchased via Ticketmaster.
Meet the 2026 Strictly Live Tour Cast and Judges
The tour boasts a fabulous line-up of celebrities and professional dancers from the most recent series. While some fan favourites like winner Karen Carney and finalist Amber Davies will not be participating, the cast is packed with talent.
The confirmed celebrity and professional pairings for the arena tour are:
- George Clarke and Alexis Warr
- Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
- La Voix and Alijaz Skorjanec
- Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
- Vicky Pattinson and Kai Widdrington
In a special treat for fans, 2023 finalist Layton Williams will return to the dancefloor as a guest performer, reuniting with his professional partner Nikita Kuzmin to showcase some of their most iconic routines.
Overseeing the action will be the legendary judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood. Motsi Mabuse will not be joining the live tour this year. The host with the most will be former professional dancer and It Takes Two presenter, Janette Manrara.
Essential Visitor Information for Utilita Arena Birmingham
Age Restrictions: The arena has specific age policies. For seated areas, under-14s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Standing areas are not permitted for under-14s, and 14-15 year olds may only enter standing floors when accompanied by an adult.
Bag Policy: To ensure swift entry, the arena strongly advises against bringing bags. If essential, bags must be no larger than A4 size (21cm x 30cm x 19cm) with a maximum of two compartments; rucksacks are not allowed. All bags are subject to search.
Travel and Parking: The Utilita Arena's postcode is B1 2AA. Please note the venue is within Birmingham's Clean Air Zone, so charges may apply for non-compliant vehicles. The arena's own car parks (North, South, and West) can be pre-booked online, with prices starting from £15. Nearby alternatives include Q-Park Brindleyplace (a 7-minute walk) and Euro Car Parks at Five Ways (a 17-minute walk).
Public Transport: The arena is centrally located and easily accessible. It is a short walk from Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, Snow Hill, and Five Ways train stations. Numerous bus routes serve the area, and the nearest West Midlands Metro stops are Brindleyplace and Library Centenary Square.
Prohibited Items: For everyone's safety, banned items include weapons, illegal drugs, outside food and drink (including alcohol), glass, cans, professional cameras, recording equipment, selfie sticks, large banners, and laser pens. A full list is available on the arena's website, and terms can vary per event.
With its combination of world-class dancing, beloved stars, and a vibrant atmosphere, the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour promises an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages in Birmingham this January.
