Fans of Strictly Come Dancing are in for a dazzling treat, when the glitzy and glamorous show Strictly Confidential comes to Salford on July 8. SIMONE O’KANE spoke to Lisa Riley about her the show.

HER role in Emmerdale seems a million miles away now, but bubbly Lisa Riley sounds like she is still as genuine as she ever was during her days as a Dingle.

Performing on stages across the UK, the former Strictly Come Dancing Star is back with a spring in her step as she gets up close and personal with her fans.

Lisa Riley, accompanied by Artem Chigvintsev, Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite, will take fans on an intimate journey into their backgrounds and motivations live on stage, giving audiences a personal insight into what led them to their Strictly Come Dancing adventure.

“It’s been pretty tough in rehearsals, but I know I am very lucky to have been able to come so far and I can’t wait to tell fans about my journey. You’re all so loyal to me, you lot up north,” said Lisa.

With tales to tell about the show, Lisa said: “I throw myself in fully and I know all the basics. I am ready to be on full form when I am back home on my own soil, my fans are always really loyal to me. Being at The Lowry, well it will be like being a child in a candy store.”

Theatre has played a large part in Lisa’s life over the past four years. She has performed in The Play What I Wrote, Vagina Monologues and the hilarious Waiting for Gateaux. Lisa has also appeared in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and Calendar Girls.

She said: “My solo is All That Jazz, so you don’t get better than that. It’s a dream come true for me as a musical actress to be performing that song. My heart belongs on stage because I have been doing it for so long. It just comes natural to me.”

With Strictly Confidential there’s world class dancers; dazzling new choreography; an upbeat live score of pop, soul and musical theatre numbers and Strictly’s stunning costumes.

And when Lisa performed on the television show last year, she got through to the quarter finals.

Lisa said: “The TV series was ace, and now I get to do a brand new show. So you can’t get much better than that. There is really something for all the family. Children will love it just as much as their mums and dads. It’s for all ages really. Strictly was good for me. It has opened people’s eyes and those who want to dance can. I danced at drama school, acting, live music and dance so it’s what I know best.”

The role closest to Lisa’s heart was playing Rebecca, in Kay Mellor’s award winning drama Fat Friends. Running parallel with Lisa’s acting career she hosted You’ve Been Framed for five years and also OK TV, taking both shows’ viewing figures to the highest ever known.

But the Bury-born star still remains as modest.

Lisa said: “My talent comes from my hometown and I will always remember my roots. If I do go further, I won’t forget my roots, like Anna Friel. I will always be the same. There’s no diva in me. I am never going to change. I am just doing a job that I love.”

  • Strictly Confidential, The Lowry, Salford Quays, July 8 - 13. Box Office: 0843 208 6000