Ben Cohen on the bill for Strictly Come Dancing tour

The first celebrities to join the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2014 have been announced.

Former England Rugby World Cup winner, and Chairman of the anti-bullying StandUp Foundation, Ben Cohen, Coronation Street star Natalie Gumede and funny man Mark Benton will be entertaining arena audiences across the country.

On announcing his place, Ben Cohen said: “I love to test myself and Strictly has certainly been a challenge, but I’m growing in confidence with every week that passes and I’m starting to feel at home on the dance floor now. What better way to take things one step further than to perform in front of thousands of people every night, in some of the biggest arenas in the country? Count me in!”

Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli are back as the formidable judges. They will be on hand to give their feedback and scores to the celebrities and their dance partners.

Strictly favourite Lisa Riley returns to the glitterball dance floor as host of the 2014 tour.

Natalie Gumede said: “I’m hugely excited to be part of the Strictly tour, it’s the perfect excuse to keep dancing! I’m having so much fun and I’ve learnt so much already, I just want the experience to last as long as possible.

"Dancing for all the fans who have voted to keep me in the show will be really special, I can’t wait.”

"Entertaining arena audiences with my ever evolving dance steps will be a fantastic way to start the New Year," says Mark Benton.

"I cannot wait to hit the road and recreate my favourite routines for fans around the country."

The production will kick off at the Birmingham NIA on January17 and culminate at London’s O2 Arena on February 9.

Tickets go on sale at strictlycomedancinglive.com