Strictly's Gorka Marquez reveals backstage antics with professional dancers as they hit the road ahead of 2023 series

Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez has given an insight at what the show's professional dancers get up to on tour as they hit the road ahead of the 2023 series. It was revealed last month that Gorka is among the pros returning to the ballroom when the BBC One dance contest returns this autumn.

Also confirmed to return are Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vita Coppola.

They'll all take to the floor once more with new celebrity partners. They will also promise viewers an abundance of spectacular routines.

But before the new series comes around, a number of the pros are touring the country, bringing the magic of Strictly to fans across the UK. Having kicked off earlier this month, audiences are able to enjoy an evening of world-class dance, stunning choreography and glamorous costumes, live and up close from ten of the talented Strictly professionals.

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And they are Australian Open Champion and 2018 finalist Dianne; new Strictly dancer and 11-time Italian Latin American Champion and 2022 finalist Vito; Chinese National Dance Champion and 2022 finalist Carlos (who was also new to Strictly this year); Professional World Mambo Champion and 2020 Strictly finalist Karen; and undefeated four-time British National Champion Neil.

Six-time Italian Latin & Ballroom Champion Nikita; three-time Strictly finalist including 2022 Gorka; four-time Italian Dance Championship winner Luba; Polish Open Latin Champion and 2022 Strictly winner