STRICTLY stars are heading for the Mercury Theatre later this year with their Rhythm of the Night tour.

The Strictly Come Dancing dance professionals are calling into the Colchester theatre as part of a major new national UK tour in 2018.

The evening with the Strictly favourites promises dance fans an extravaganza of high intensity Latin and ballroom favourites in one thrilling evening.

Ian and Oti always push the boundaries of dance to bring the best out of their celebrity partner, with both reaching the final of the hit BBC Saturday night show. Last season it was Oti who almost triumphed with her celebrity partner, Hollyoaks’ Danny Mac.

An Audience With is brought to audiences by the same team who presented the popular Somewhere In Time tour earlier last year, and during the evening Colchester dance enthusiasts will be transported away to a place packed with wonderful moments, with both fun-filled, fleet-footed entertainment - and a chance to learn more about Ian and Oti and their lives.

Since hanging up his competitive Strictly dance shoes, Ian has become a firm favourite behind the scenes on Strictly Come Dancing’s It Takes Two programme with his own slot, Waite’s Wednesday Warm-Up – during which he casts his expert eye over the weekly progress of the celebrities and their professional partners.

Ian began dancing aged ten when he accompanied his younger brother to Saturday dance lessons at home in Reading, and was enticed onto the dancefloor for the very first time. Even then, it was clear to all that despite being in his school rugby and football teams, he was a born performer and dancer.

He went on to make it to the European Professional Latin Championships finals in 2003. His celebrity dance partners on Strictly Come Dancing have included singer Mica Paris, Olympian Denise Lewis, model Penny Lancaster-Stewart, model Jodie Kidd, and radio personality and television presenter Zoe Ball.

South African Oti is known for her breath-taking choreography and sparkling personality for creating fresh new pieces both on stage and television.

She started dancing at the age of four, and made a name for herself as the undefeated eight-times South African Latin American Champion, while at the same time studying civil engineering at university.

Oti then moved to Germany to start her International career as a professional dancer, becoming German Champion, Bronze Medallist at The World Championships and Vice European Champion - making her one of the most successful South African dancers in the world.

She says about the tour: “I’m really excited, it’s my very first tour and I can’t wait to get into a project that I believe in one hundred percent that I will head jointly with Ian from beginning to the end.

“Ian contacted me early this year looking for a leading lady to join him on his Tour and I jumped at the opportunity. I want to become a choreographer or creative director and this will definitely be something towards my dream career.”

Taking her talents to the world of TV, she started on Let’s Dance – the German version of Strictly, before being invited to join the flagship BBC show where over two series she has cemented her place as one of the UK’s favourite professional dancers

Oti adds: “Ian is extremely talented and so funny he’s got a lot of knowledge and a personality on stage that your drawn to. I love having a good time, I work hard and love to be artistic and choreograph and the combination will be one to remember.”

An Audience with Ian Waite and Oti Mabuse – Rhythm of the Night is at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester, on March 20 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £28 plus discounts, available from the box office on 01206 573948 or on-line at mercurytheatre.co.uk