Key Highlights
- La Voix is set to make a return to Strictly Come Dancing on the Live Arena Tour in 2026.
- The former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star withdrew from the 2025 series due to injury last week.
- La Voix expressed gratitude for the support she received during her time on the show.
- Drag performer and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will be joining La Voix on the tour.
A Comeback Amidst Adversity: La Voix’s Return to Strictly Come Dancing
After unexpectedly withdrawing from the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing due to an injury, drag artist and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK alum Christopher Dennis (stage name: La Voix) is set to make a triumphant return. The news was revealed on last Sunday’s results show, where La Voix spoke candidly about her experience and the warm reception she received.
“This has been the most extraordinary experience of my entire life,” La Voix told Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, reflecting on her time on the show. “What have I loved the most? Don’t hate me, but it’s not been the dancing, it’s been just being welcomed on this show with the most amazing warmth from everyone, from the whole crew backstage, the judges to the pros, to the celebrities, to you two, to everyone, it’s been amazing.”
La Voix’s withdrawal from the BBC series occurred during Blackpool week, where she had been given a bye in the round prior. The decision was tough, as La Voix stated: “I came into the show as a minority, you know, as a redhead, and you’ve just all embraced me wonderfully, and I just cannot thank you enough for just this most magical journey.” Despite her early exit, she expressed gratitude for the positive experience.
Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour: A New Chapter
The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour is set to feature a lineup of talented celebrities and professional dancers. La Voix will be joined by her dance partner, Aljaz Skorjanec, while Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the winner of the first series of Gladiator, will also participate with his professional dancer Karen Hauer.
The tour is scheduled to open at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on January 23. The itinerary includes further dates in Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Nottingham, concluding with five shows at London’s O2 Arena in mid-February. Each event will feature a mix of dance routines and live music performances, as well as the presence of a British Sign Language interpreter to ensure accessibility.
Behind-the-Scenes: The Impact on the Show
The absence of La Voix from last week’s results show led to no dance-off or elimination. Instead, her votes and scores were carried over to this week, allowing the audience to continue supporting her journey towards the coveted glitterball trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving professional dancers will return for another round of performances. The tour promises an exciting lineup with judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, along with host Janette Manrara returning to provide commentary and support.
In a statement, La Voix expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour: “I loved being part of Strictly and was devastated when my time on the show was cut short because of injury.
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 Aljaz by my side.”
The audience’s decision will once again play a crucial role in determining who takes home the glitterball trophy, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to each performance.
