NADIYA, 34, says of their new dance extravaganza Behind the Magic: “We felt we had much more to say and show to our lovely audience.
“The point is to lift the curtain on what goes on behind the scenes – in a dance studio, in how the team comes together, in wardrobe and so on.
“I’m particularly passionate about the costumes, not least because my mum, Larisa, creates most of the designs.”
The month-long tour will feature three auxiliary dancing couples and a singer, who also plays various instruments.
Rumour has it that Nadiya might even burst into song. With a coy smile she reveals: “I might – I did a Marilyn Monroe routine in last year’s show and that included a bit of singing.”
What about Kai? “I think you might see me pick up my guitar,” he says.
As with Once Upon A Time, the choreographer will be Scott Caldwell.
“I worked with him on the Here Come The Boys stage show at the London Palladium,” says Nadiya, “so I know how good he is.”
The tour finishes in Southampton, much to the delight of Kai, 28, who says: “That’s a particular thrill for me, because it’s my hometown.”
While any tour is demanding for pro dancers, it will be more so for Nadiya who uniquely among Strictly’s professionals is a mother.
Daughter Mila, now seven, lives with her in London. “She’ll be in school every day throughout June and being looked after by my mother – Mila calls her Babushka.
“Although I will come home as often as I can if we’re not too far from London.
This story is from the April 28, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 28, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Queen hails 'wonderful' hospital for seriously ill children
THE Queen has praised nurses at Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity for the \"wonderful work\" they do looking after seriously ill children.
Akshata: My mission to open up Number 10
RISHI Sunak’s wife says that curious children have asked her if she has “a chandelier” or even some “gold taps” in No10.
TOP GUNS ARE STILL FIRING!
Rice rifles home the cherry on cake for Arteta's leaders
'Cut migration and build homes to solve rent crisis'
THE cost of renting a home in England has hit a \"crisis point\" but the solution is \"blindingly obvious\", according to former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
The day I found a Cave in the Sun!
JASMINE Harman once found a holiday home in Spain at a rock-bottom price of £14,000 but it was in a cave.
How China is 'guiding' Iran's deadly new drones
IRAN's new kamikaze drones contain Chinese guidance systems, Ministry of Defence scientists have found.
Cleese: I've never met a German offended by goose-stepping Fawlty
JOHN Cleese says he has never met a German who was offended by Basil Fawlty repeatedly mentioning the Second World War and goosestepping around a room.
Star Trek's 3ft TV space ship returns home
THE first model of the USS Enterprise used in the opening credits of the original Star Trek TV show has boldly arrived back home – after being lost for almost half a century.
Just £6,000 for a posh bag of chips
CHEAP as chips is not a description everyone would apply to this fast food-themed handbag – as the accessory costs almost £6,000.
Trump 'won't join breakaway tour'
JUDD TRUMP has revealed he has turned down an approach from a rival tour.