Strictly Come Dancing Tour: Sparkling night at Utilita Arena Newcastle scores a 10 - review
The 10 paddles were out in full force as the 2025 cast of Strictly Come Dancing arrived at Utilita Arena Newcastle in a flurry of sequins and sparkle.
After weeks of watching their progress from the comfort of our sofas, the live tour gives fans of the show a chance to turn judge and cheer on their favourite contestants in person – as well as feasting their eyes on some spectacular performances from the pro dancers.
It was a line-up to be reckoned with on a rainy Tuesday night on Tyneside and a homecoming show to boot for Newcastle’s own Vicky Pattison, Lewis Cope (from Hartlepool) and drag queen La Voix, who is originally from Stockton.
The dismal weather did little to dampen the spirits of a lively crowd; the lot of us were clapping, toe-tapping and whooping from the very first beats of the show’s iconic theme tune. And the excitement didn’t stop all evening.
Completing the line-up were; Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, footballing legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, model Ellie Goldstein – and a special addition from the 2023 series, actor Layton Williams.
With two dazzling routines from each couple it was a whistle-stop tour through some of the series’ highlights. Ellie’s Spice Girls-inspired Salsa was a real serotonin boost of ‘90s nostalgia, while La Voix’s star turn to Cher’s Believe was everything we want from Strictly.
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Summed up by head judge Shirley Ballas (accompanied on the panel by Craig Revel Horwood and Anton du Beke) as a ‘fun, free and entertaining’ routine, I think those three words perfectly describe Strictly’s live experience as a whole. The smiles and applause didn’t stop from start to finish.
We were guided through the evening with expert ease by Janette Manrara, who was hosting the tour for the fifth time. As an audience we were safe in her hands, with seamless changes between each number and section of the performance. For those unfamiliar with the Strictly Live format, the judges’ scores are for guidance only and the power to crown the night’s winner (via text) sits with the live audience.
I wish there were enough column inches to wax lyrical about every single routine as they were all excellent, but to keep the secrets for those yet to see the show during this run I’ll only talk about a couple. And one of them has to be our Queen of the North East, Vicky.
While Lewis and partner Katya Jones were chosen as the deserving glitterball winners for our show after a rip-roaring Charleston and Halloween-inspired Couples’ Choice (you’ll remember it if you watched the series – and it is even more jaw-dropping in person), I must give Vicky her flowers.
Her J-word on the TV show was nothing short of inspiring as we watched her nerves blossom into a new-found confidence. The woman in week one of the series was not at all recognisable to who we saw on the Utilita Arena dancefloor, bossing her Couple’s Choice to Cheryl’s Fight For This Love (Geordie icons only) and Taylor Swift Tango.
She and partner Kai Widdrington were the live show runners-up and as much as I love Lewis, I really was rooting for a Vicky win.
Away from the competing couples, prepare to be blown away by the evening’s pro numbers. No spoilers, but 10s all around for the entire cast, the judges and Janette too. A night at Strictly Live really is the January antedote we all need.
There’s only one way to end this review – it was, of course, fab-u-lous!
:: The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour ends on Sunday, February 15 at The O2 London.