BURY-BORN actress Gemma Atkinson has joined her dancing friends for the 2018 Strictly Live Tour.

Gemma, aged 33, and her co-stars are busy rehearsing ahead of the official opening night this Friday.

The Key 103 breakfast host narrowly missed out on becoming Strictly's 2017 star.

Gemma said on Instagram: "I'm hopping on the @strictlycomedancinglive tour bus with the gang to start the tour! So excited!!!! #teamAliG #putyourhandsupitsmorefun."

The 2018 tour sees Gemma reunited with former dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec. The pair reached the competition final in December 2017, going up against fellow contestants Debbie McGee, Joe McFadden and Alexandra Burke.

In the end, it was Holby City star Joe McFadden and his dance partner Katya Jones who were crowned champions.

Former Emmerdale actress Gemma and her Strictly pals are now gearing up to commence the 2018 live tour.

The group travelled to Birmingham by coach and began rehearsals on Monday, January 8.

On Instagram, Gemma said: "Raring to go with service station essentials on route of course.... Wahay!!!!!!"

The tour, featuring Gemma, Alexandra Burke, Susan Calman, Davood Ghadami and their professional dancing partners, launches at the Birmingham Arena this Friday.

It makes its way to the Manchester Arena on January 27 and 28.

Tickets are available for the Strictly Live Tour at Mancheser Arena from Ticket Zone or Ticketmaster.