GLITZ AND GLAMOUR COMING TO TOWN

STRICTLY IS BACK IN MANCHESTER - AND SO IS A FAN FAVOURITE FROM BURY, WRITES DIANNE BOURNE

- DIANNE BOURNE

THE end of another cold and dreary January in Manchester is about to get an injection of some serious glitz and glamour - as the bright, bold and never ever dull Strictly Come Dancing Live event sashays into the AO Arena.

Stars and finalists from the hit BBC show's most recent series will head back on to the dancefloor to compete at every show for the Glitterball trophy, with all the fabulous sequinned outfits and lavish staging you'd expect.

This year they'll also be joined by fan favourite from 2023, Bury's own Layton Williams who was a runner-up that year to Corrie's Ellie Leach.

The West End star is reunited with professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin in what is already being billed as a big highlight from fans who've caught earlier dates on the tour, performing an Argentine Tango and their sensational show dance.

Although Layton admits no one was as surprised as he to get the call to join the tour this year.

"When I got the call I was like, 'Are you sure you've got the right person?'" laughs Layton, who performed during a special group number in the BBC show's Blackpool special in November.