Strictly Come Dancing stars Puttin’ on the Ritz at Buxton Opera House

Ahead of their visit to Buxton this month, Robin gives an insight into the show:

Recently you’ve changed dancing partners on this tour, how are you finding the new line-up?

Due to Kristina Rihanoff returning to Strictly Come Dancing, I am performing with Strictly semi-finalist Anya Garnis.

Having danced with Kristina for the last six years it’s strange dancing with someone else but I’m really enjoying the new dynamic between Anya and I.

You were extremely popular on Strictly, particularly when you partnered with Lisa Riley – do you miss the show, now you are not involved?

I had five brilliant years on Strictly and it’s given me a great platform to move on from - I was a new face once, replacing some very popular dancers so I fully support all the cast.

I miss the show very, very much but I will no doubt pop up on It Takes Two.

You sustained a back injury. Are you well now?  

Sadly I had to withdraw from series 12 of Strictly Come Dancing a couple of weeks before the show started due to a crippling back injury and have an immediate operation - I made a speedy recovery and am now back to full fitness 

What can the audience at Buxton Opera House expect from the show?

Puttin’ on the Ritz is an energy packed show full of song and dance – you will get transported back to the golden era of Hollywood to the music of Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin – timeless tunes that are guaranteed to get those toes tapping all the way through the show.

There’s an incredible cast of singers and dancers that will have you on the edge of your seat 

What are your favourite Strictly moments?

I have so many favourite moments on strictly but the one that will always stand out to me was mine and Lisa Riley’s samba at Wembley, when Lisa jumped in to the splits – 6000 audience members just would not stop cheering – we felt like pop stars at a concert.

Where did your love of dancing come from?

I come from a family of ballroom dancers so I was really destined to be waltzing from a young age.

l Puttin’ on the Ritz is at Buxton Opera House from Monday, September 28 to Wednesday, September 30. Tickets £24.50 to £33.50 and discounts are available.

To buy tickets or for more information call the Box Office on 01298 72190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk