Strictly Come Dancing stars limber up for live UK tour

 The female celebrities and professional dancers at the photocall for the 'Strictly Come Dancing' live tour

There was no shortage of sparkles and sequins for the launch of Strictly Come Dancing’s live UK tour yesterday – and that was just Robbie Savage.

The Mirror footie columnist will join celebs including Nancy Dell’Olio, Chelsee Healey and Anita Dobson, who rehearsed with the pro dancers.

The show's reigning champion, McFly drummer Harry Judd  and Australian star Jason Donovan are also going on the tour, which will call at Birmingham, Nottingham, London, Sheffield, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff, Dublin and Belfast.

Judd said he is not getting any special treatment and "everyone does the same" throughout the tour - two dance numbers each plus a couple of group dances.

"It feels very good coming into the Strictly tour as champion. I was thinking about that before the final; I thought 'I know I'm doing the tour and I'd love to be the reigning champion on the tour', so I did it and it feels good."

Since lifting the glitter ball trophy, Judd said he has enjoyed a good rest at his parents' house and the victory has not changed his life too much.

"I kind of just went home after the final and went to my mum and dad's, and sat and watched TV and just did normal things for about two or three weeks.

"My life hasn't really changed. I'm just being as normal as possible and that's how I like to lead my life really," he said.

George Clooney's 'griping stars' rap

The actor, 50, said: "I cut tobacco for a living ? that was hard.

"I sold insurance door to door ? that was hard.

"Acting is not hard work."

Clooney, tipped for an Oscar for his role in The Descendants, spoke as he began a round of awards ceremonies with girlfriend Stacey Keibler, 32.

The star added: "If you're lucky enough to be sitting at a table like this, you've been very lucky in your life.

"You caught the brass ring somewhere along the way.

"I've known a tremendous number of talented actors who didn't get opportunities. Is it hard work? It's long hours, but nobody wants to hear you complain.

"I don't find acting difficult. I find it challenging and sometimes I'm bad at it. But I don't find it hard."

Matt Cardle, Emeli Sande join T4 Stars of 2011 lineup

Matt Cardle and Emeli Sande have been added to the lineup for this year's T4 Stars concert.

The pair join a bill already consisting of Jessie J, The Wanted, Dappy, Pixie Lott and Ed Sheeran at the show, which will be held at London's Earls Court.

Professor Green, Example, Tinchy Stryder, Cher Lloyd, Wretch 32 and Rizzle Kicks will also play the gig, which takes place on December 11.

The main show will be hosted by T4 presenters Nick Grimshaw and Jameela Jamil. More special guests for the event are yet to be announced.

Casts from The Only Way Is Essex, Made In Chelsea, Hollyoaks and Misfits will be in attendance and will participate in a series of stage-based events.

Grimshaw and Jamil recently said that they are expecting to dress up as a pregnant Beyoncé or Lady GaGa's Joe Calderone for the show.

Tickets for the concert are on sale now.