Stars step out at NIA for first Strictly Come Dancing Live show
The Strictly magic arrived in the West Midlands as the stars of the show kicked off their UK?tour.
Susanna Reid, Abbey Clancy, Natalie Gumede and Ben Cohen took centre stage as the NIA in Birmingham was transformed into the famous ballroom.
The stars competed against each other once again to be crowned king and queen of the dancefloor.
And fireworks fell and streamers scattered around the room as Natalie and her partner Artem Chigvintsev lifted the Strictly Glitterball at the end of the night.
Series champions Abbey and Alijaz Skorjanec had to settle for second best in the live show after the Birmingham audience voted in their droves for Natalie and Artem's Viennese waltz and never-before-seen jive.
A crowd filled with dance fans of all ages whooped and cheered throughout the live spectacular, with many holding up their own scorecards and others wearing masks of acid-tongued judge Craig Revel Horwood.
This was the first night of the nationwide tour, directed by Revel Horwood and also featuring Susanna Reid and Kevin Clifton; Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff; Deborah Meaden and Robin Windsor; Mark Benton and Iveta Lukosiute; Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer.
The judging panel was made up of Craig, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, while former fans' favourite Lisa Riley was host.
Bruno whipped up the audience with his cheeky banter, before ending the night with a half-opened shirt and leading the way in a group dance.
Len and Craig had a go too, but all were eclipsed by Bruno.
A giant glitterball hovered over the arena while famous dances, including Abbey's salsa and Susanna's paso, delighted the fans.
The Strictly band were there too, belting out hits from Britney, Lady Gaga and John Denver.
The show finished on TV back in December, when Abbey was crowned champion, and the cast have been rehearsing for the live shows for the past few weeks.
The show continues today and tomorrow before touring the rest of the UK
