Strictly stars celebrate music of the 50s

Professional dancer Natalie Lowe will be joined by celebrity champions Jay McGuinness and Louis Smith in Rip It Up, which comes to the resort’s Opera House on Sunday, September 17.

The fleet-footed trio will be joined by Radio Two’s Sounds Of The 50s presenter Leo Green, and a cast of musicians, dancers and singers, in the celebration of songs from the great decade of music.

Natalie last week retired from the BBC show after eight series.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10am.

Natalie said: “To be able to work with these two incredible Strictly champions and choreograph routines with them to the music from music’s greatest decade is something we are all very excited to be working on.

“Together, we will dance through some of the most fantastic songs ever created.”

Rip It Up will also feature Radio 2’s Leo Green and his 1950s band, playing hits including La Bamba, Reet Petite, Unchained Melody, Mambo Italiano, Hound Dog, Shout and Magic Moments.

Former The Wanted singer McGuiness won Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 with partner Aliona Vilani, wowing the public with their Pulp Fiction-inspired jive.

He added: “To perform with Radio Two’s Leo Green and his band, as well as share the stage with Natalie and Louis and such a talented cast of singers and dancers, should be quite an experience.

“We have some great ideas and are looking forward to bringing them to the theatres around the country, singing and dancing to some of the greatest songs from one of the greatest decades.”

Olympic gymnast Smith won Strictly’s glitterball trophy in 2012 with partner Flavia Cacace.

He said: “A lot of people think of the music of the 50s as just rock ‘n’ roll.

“Whilst this was the decade that brought us Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard and more, we will also be celebrating the music of Sinatra, Nat King Cole and all the beautiful vocal harmony groups from that special decade.”