STRICTLY COME DANCING STAR LAUREN OAKLEY STUNS FANS WITH A MAJOR CAREER MOVE AWAY FROM THE BBC BALLROOM!
The 35-year-old dancer, who is currently competing alongside celebrity partner Graeme Hall in the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing, has been confirmed as part of the cast for the 2027 UK and Ireland tour of the multi-award-winning musical Chicago.
But this is no ordinary supporting appearance. Lauren will take centre stage as Roxie Hart, the ambitious and dangerously captivating character at the heart of the legendary production.
For someone whose career has largely unfolded beneath the sparkling lights of the ballroom, the announcement marks an exciting and potentially transformative new chapter.
FROM STRICTLY FAVOURITE TO MUSICAL THEATRE LEADING LADY
Lauren has become a familiar face to millions of BBC viewers since joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2022.
Over the years, she has worked with celebrity contestants including broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, establishing herself as one of the programme’s admired professional dancers.
Her profile rose further during the 2024 competition when she stepped in to partner JLS singer JB Gill following Amy Dowden’s withdrawal through injury.
Together, Lauren and JB reached the grand final, an achievement that demonstrated her ability to perform under extraordinary pressure.
Now, however, she is preparing for a challenge that extends far beyond traditional ballroom choreography.
Her forthcoming appearance in Chicago will mark her musical theatre debut, placing her in a demanding production where acting, dancing and storytelling must come together.
THE CHARACTER THAT HAS EVERYONE TALKING
Perhaps the most intriguing part of Lauren’s announcement is the role itself.
Roxie Hart is one of musical theatre’s most recognisable characters: a fame-hungry woman whose involvement in a sensational murder case transforms her into a media celebrity.
The role requires sharp comic timing, theatrical confidence, commanding stage presence and the ability to balance innocence with calculated ambition.
It is a striking departure from the polished ballroom performances viewers have come to associate with Lauren.
And she will not be taking on the challenge alone.
Joining her in the production will be two-time Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn, alongside former The X Factor winner Sam Bailey as the formidable Mama Morton.
Charlotte Gooch will portray Velma Kelly, while Jonathan Dryden Taylor takes on Amos Hart and R. Leonard plays Mary Sunshine.
The impressive ensemble promises a production packed with theatrical experience and star power.
A MAJOR MANCHESTER APPEARANCE CONFIRMED
The touring production will arrive at Manchester’s Opera House from May 25 to May 29, 2027, giving audiences an opportunity to see Lauren in an entirely new environment.
The announcement comes while she remains focused on her current Strictly partnership with television dog-training expert Graeme Hall.
Known to viewers as the “Dog Father,” Graeme has presented Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly since 2019.
The pair are preparing to return to the dance floor for week seven of the competition on Saturday, November 7.
Despite the demands of the ongoing series, Lauren’s theatrical announcement has already attracted enthusiastic support from fans celebrating her latest achievement.
A NEW CHAPTER — BUT NOT GOODBYE TO STRICTLY
Importantly, Lauren’s upcoming theatre commitment does not mean she has announced a permanent departure from Strictly Come Dancing.
Instead, the production represents an opportunity to expand her career while building on the recognition she has earned through the BBC competition.
For Lauren, the transition from professional ballroom dancer to leading musical theatre performer could open doors to further opportunities beyond television.
And with Roxie Hart demanding a combination of glamour, ambition, humour and dramatic intensity, audiences may soon discover talents they have never seen from her before.