Strictly stars form new dance boy band in Rip It Up: The 60s on the West End

Strictly Come Dancing stars Aston Merrygold, Jay McGuiness, Louis Smith and Harry Judd are teaming up as a new dance boy band.

JLS singer Aston, who appeared on Strictly in 2017, joins The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness, winner of Strictly 2015, McFly drummer Harry, winner of the 2011 series, and Olympian Louis, who won in 2012.

The four piece will take to the stage together in new West End theatre show Rip It Up, where they will perform to hits of the 60s.

Songs by the likes of The Beatles, The Who, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones and many more will provide the backing to the boys’ dance moves.

Jay joins the show for its West End run after Aston, Harry and Louis took part in a UK tour in 2018.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the cast as the undoubtedly best-looking member!” he said. “Louis, Aston and Harry put on an amazing show touring with the 60s and I’m so grateful to be joining them. I can’t wait for me and the lads to sit right in the middle of the West End and Rip. It. Up.”

Alongside the leading men are an incredible cast of dancers, singers and musicians to bring the songs and routines to life on the stage.

Rip It Up: The 60s is currently playing at the Garrick Theatre through until Sunday, 2 June 2019 (via StageChat)

> Book tickets for Rip It Up on the West End here

Louis, who first performed in Rip It Up in 2017, described the show as “one of the hardest and most challenging experiences I have ever attempted, including competing at the Olympics.”

“The fact that I jumped at the chance to be part of this brand new ‘60s version of it also shows how much I enjoyed the whole thing,” he added. “I’m excited to be performing alongside Aston, especially as we grew up together, and equally with Harry.”

And Harry first said of the show last year: “I love to dance. Along with playing in a band there’s no better feeling than to be on stage dancing.

“I was brought up listening to 60s music by my parents, which makes this whole show even more exciting for me to be a part of.

“Aston and Louis are both great movers so I’m looking forward to sharing a stage with them to put on the best show possible.”