EAST Lancashire actress Natalie Gumede is getting ready to put on her dancing shoes once again.

The former Coronation Street star who reached the final of TV’s Strictly Come Dancing will be taking part in a series of live arena dates, including two nights in Manchester in February.

Natalie, who grew up in Colne, will be reunited with her partner Artem Chigvintsev for the Stricly Live tour.

She said: “I am very much looking forward to performing in Manchester.

“The city looked after me so warmly when I was in Coronation Street and I can’t wait to play to a North West crowd.

“Also, it will be the first time my mum has seen me dance live. During the series she wanted to stay at home so she could vote for me. It will be the first time she will see me dance.”

So after a short Christmas break, does Natalie, 29, who famously suffered from a recurring back injury during her time on Strictly, think she is ready to don those famous costumes again?

“The situation with my back was unusual. I have suffered with it before but you’re not normally working or dancing seven days a week,” she said..

“The treatment was exceptional and after a holiday over Christmas, I’m desperate to cling on to some sequins again. I’ve heard you can buy them so I might get one as a memento of my Strictly experience.”

The live shows will be hosted by another former contestant, actress Lisa Riley and among the celebrities dancing live will be series winner Abbey Clancy.

She said: “For me Strictly has been the most incredible experience and I wanted to carry on forever, so the tour is a brilliant opportuity to keep dancing.

“This is a chance for all my family and friends who couldn’t make it to the TV show to come and see me dance.”

In the live shows, seven celebrities and their professional partners will compete each night, with arena audiences voting for their favourites. The TV show’s judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel-Hprwood will also be appearing.

The other celebs taking part are Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meaden, rugby star Ben Cohen, Westlfe’s Nicky Byrne, actor Mark Benton and breakfast TV presenter Susanna Reid.

She said : I work on TV so am used to performing in front of cameras and not seeing the whites of people’s eyes looking up at you and hoping to be entertained.

“But performing to such a big crowd, you get the instant feedback that you don’t get with TV. I got a taste of it during Strictly in front of the studio audience and I am looking forward to it again on the tour.”

  • Strictly Live, Manchester Arena, February 6 and 7. Details from 0844 847 8000.