Emily Bashforth
Published November 28, 2025 10:44am
Updated November 28, 2025 11:15am
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After withdrawing from the main series, a hugely popular Strictly star is staging a comeback (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Key Points
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- La Voix returns for the 2026 Strictly Live Tour after injury cut short her 2025 Strictly Come Dancing run
- The drag performer will dance again with her pro, Aljaž Škorjanec, for the tour, which will visit arenas across the UK
- La Voix joins a star-studded lineup, including Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, with shows kicking off in January
She was forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing 2025 due to a devastating injury, but now La Voix is returning to the dancefloor.
The Drag Race queen and her pro partner, Aljaž Škorjanec, are the first couple confirmed for the 2026 Strictly Live Tour, which will hit arenas across the country in January and February.
It comes after the performer – whose real name is Christopher Dennis – bowed out of the main show just before its dazzling Blackpool special, having injured her foot in training.
Speaking about her comeback, the entertainer said: ‘I loved being part of Strictly and was devastated when my time on the show was cut short because of injury.
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‘But now I’m absolutely thrilled to have the chance to get back on an even bigger dancefloor with the sparkling 2026 Strictly Live Tour.
‘I can’t wait to sashay my way around the country with my wonderful partner, Aljaž, by my side.’
A devastated La Voix had to pull out of Strictly before Blackpool week (Picture: Ray Burmiston/PA Wire)
Viewers last saw La Voix, 45, in action during the Blackpool results show on Sunday. However, no couple was eliminated last week due to her premature exit, meaning the judges’ scores and audience votes will be carried over
Despite emotions being high, La Voix – who was initially given a bye to the following week before medics ruled her out of the show completely – ended in style, descending from the ceiling on a light-up heart sculpture before Aljaž twirled her around and the surviving couples ran in for hugs.
She also spoke to presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, telling them that Strictly had been an ‘extraordinary’ experience.
Fighting back tears, the singer – and first drag queen to take part in the main show – said she felt ‘welcomed’ by everyone in the Strictly family, having entered as a ‘minority’.
‘La Voix has had everyone in stitches on a Saturday and Sunday night, but I was in stitches seven days a week,’ added Aljaz sweetly.
‘I feel like the world needs more of you. I think Strictly needs you, and you’ve made my life a joy,’ he told his partner as she wiped her eyes.
The Drag Race icon wiped away tears during her exit interview as she reflected on her Strictly experience (Picture: BBC)
In a separate statement shared on Instagram, La Voix wrote that she was ‘absolutely devastated’ not to have had the ‘glittering exit’ she would have liked.
She did, however, wish the remaining contestants luck, signing off to her fans: ‘Your love has lifted me more than you know.’
Her departure was actually the fourth withdrawal this year amid what fans have branded a ‘cursed’ series for the BBC dance show.
Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn had to pull out on medical grounds before the launch show had even been recorded. Dani Dyer was then ruled out after sustaining a foot injury, before Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis withdrew with a calf injury.
As the competition nears the tight end, the celebs still in the running for the Glitter Ball trophy are Amber Davies, Lewis Cope, Karen Carney, Alex Kingston, Julian Caillon, and George Clarke.
This year’s grand final is set to air on December 20.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer will also feature in the Live Tour (Picture: Ray Burmiston/PA Wire)
Strictly Live Tour dates 2026
Birmingham, Utilita Arena
January 23-January 25
Newcastle, Utilita Arena
January 27-January 28
Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
January 29-January 30
Manchester, AO Arena
January 31-February 1
Sheffield, Utilita Arena
February 3-February 4
Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
February 5-February 6
Glasgow, OVO Hydro
February 7-February 8
Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
February 10-February 12
London, O2 Arena
February 13-February 15
Meanwhile, joining La Voix and Aljaž in the Live Tour lineup are Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and his dance partner Karen Hauer, who were eliminated in sixth place.
‘I’m switching the Gladiators arena for the Strictly Live Tour arenas and can’t wait to get back on the dancefloor!’, said the Olympian.
‘It’s amazing to be reunited with Karen again, and we can’t wait to show you what’s in store. Expect more fun, more laughs, and even more energy!’
More couples will be announced soon, but fans know they can expect judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood to appear on the tour, dishing out scores and, most likely, some witty jibes.
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Strictly: It Takes Two’s Janette Manrara will also return to host the tour.
The run of shows opens at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on January 23. 30 performances will follow, concluding at London’s O2 Arena on February 15.
Tickets are on sale now from StrictlyComeDancingLive.com.
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Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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