Back to the dancefloor: Strictly lovebirds Kara and Artem set to create more ballroom magic as they prepare for the live tour

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By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Back to the dance: The pair, who won the 2010 series of Strictly, are among nine couples taking part in the tour


They've finally admitted that they're a couple - but just days after confirming their love for each other, it's back to business for Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev.

The pair are set to be reunited on the dancefloor for this year's Strictly Come Dancing Live tour, which kicks off in Nottingham on Friday night.

And Kara was all smiles as she and her man arrived in the city on Monday for rehearsals, ahead of the first sold-out show at the Capital FM Arena.


Still smiling: Happy couple Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev were among the arrivals in Nottingham
The 27-year-old was up warm against the winter weather in tan boots and a big patterned black and white scarf.


However she and Artem kept things low-key when they were together, with Kara keeping her head down and the couple steering clear of any public displays of affection.

Kara revealed on This Morning last week that she and Artem were dating, and had spent Christmas and New Year together.


Braving the chill: Kara wrapped up against the winter weather in a tan coat, matching boots and large scarf


'We are an official item now yes!' she said 'And we went to LA for New Year and that was lovely... I feel very lucky that I've met someone that I'm getting on so well with.

'Christmas was lovely and Artem spent it with my family and it was really nice. They all got on really well thank God!'

‘He’s just a real gentleman and I haven’t met one of those for a while.’


More arrivals: Pamela Stephenson, who finished third in the 2010 series, and Tina O'Brien are also among those taking part


Kara had previously admitted she had decided not to date for two years after splitting from previous boyfriend Joe Swash - but that the Russian dancer had changed her mind.

The pair had kept viewers guessing throughout Strictly Come Dancing 2010 with their sizzling routines and onscreen chemistry.

However it was only after Kara was crowned winner of the series that they confirmed everybody's suspicions, as they celebrated by sharing a passionate kiss.


The odd couple: Ann Widdecombe will perform on the tour with her arch nemesis, Craig Revel Horwood
As well as Kara and Artem, a host of other familiar faces have arrived in Nottingham for the Strictly live tour.


Pamela Stephenson, who finished in third place, will be reunited with her dance partner James Jordan, while his wife Ola Jordan is joining 2005 series runner up Colin Jackson on the dancefloor.

The 2010 runner-up Matt Baker will also perform, while others taking part from the recent series include Patsy Kensit, Jimi MIstry and Tina O'Brien.


Dancing team: Husband and wife team Ola and James Jordan have joined the tour, James with Pamela and Ola with former runner-up Colin Jackson


Fan favourite Ann Widdecombe is also joining the tour, although she will not be reunited with Anton du Beke.

Instead, she will take to the dancefloor with her arch nemesis Craig Revel Horwood, who slated her routines throughout the show with a series of increasingly catty remarks and low scores.

He famously awarded the former MP just one point for her samba during the Blackpool edition of the show, and described the performance as 'overwhelmingly awful.


Sharing a joke: Robin Windsor, who will once again partner Patsy Kensit, and actor Jimi Mistry, who will perform with Kristina Rihanoff on the tour


Craig is also acting as a judge on the show along with regulars Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli - but Alesha Dixon will be absent from the panel.

2009 runner-up Ricky Whittle - who lost out to Chris Hollins on the show - completes the line-up of celebrity dancers.


Past performers: 2009 runner-up Ricky Whittle is returning to the dancefloor, while 2005 participant Zoe Ball is this year's host


And Zoe Ball, who finished third in the 2005 series, is stepping in to host this year, taking over from where previous live show presenter Kate Thornton left off.

The tour will run until February 13 and takes in major cities including Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin and London.


Kara & Artem (How To Be A Man)


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