Strictly Come Dancing chooses Bolton dancer for show

With former dancers including Anton Du Beke and Janette Manrara set to make appearances, Philip Hurst says he is overjoyed to be announced as the show's host - by  no other than current judge, Oti Mabuse along with Shirley Ballas also taking part.

London Dance Nights is a new show created by Oti and her husband, Marius Lepure, and will start in the capital before travelling the country, including staging a huge show in Blackpool.

As the Blackpool Tower Host, Philip is already known for his showmanship as well as being a successful dance teacher with his own dance studio in Hindley.

He said: “It’s nice that I was invited by Oti when she rang me up to ask me.

“I like doing something different and being back at Strictly Come Dancing as I have done a few shows in the past.

“I know Shirley really well and she sent a message to our dance class once before.

“So, I’m looking forward to being a part of the show and visit London, as I’ve only ever been there once.”

Philip has been a dancer since the age of eight-years-old, rubbing shoulders with pro dancers and competed until he was in his 20s.

He said: “I can’t wait to get back onto the Strictly train, it’s been a while and my last feature on Strictly It Takes Two was in 2010- wow I feel old, and my last event being Robin and Kristina in 2015.

“Couple this with my new spot running events The Winter Gardens in Blackpool, and my sell out nights at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, it looks like 2022 will finish on a high.”

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After leaving the ballroom behind for some years, Philip eventually got back into the swing of things when he was asked to step in as a dance teacher by a friend.

Now, his dance school in Hindley takes up much of his time but he will be seen entertaining and running workshops at the tour of the new show.