One of Strictly Come Dancing’s most popular dancers, known for pushing the boundaries, is bringing his new tour to Croydon, writes Andy Bloss.

Brendan Cole presents his latest show Licence To Thrill which is the follow up to his debut theatre tour Live and Unjudged.

The show features all of the Ballroom and Latin favourites seen on Strictly Come Dancing.

Cole, who is joined on stage by 14 musicians and 6 dancers is hoping to excite the audience with his two hour dance and big band show.

Dances will include quicksteps, tangos, American smooths, sambas, salsas and jives.

The band is lead by musical director Barry Robinson and includes vocalists Ian Mackenzie and Julie Maguire.

Songs from across the decades include hits from Nat King Cole, Gladys Knight and Michael Buble.

Cole says he is looking forward to returning to Croydon after taking his previous show to the Fairfield Halls and he spent some time living in the borough.

Speaking to Vibe he says: "We have had a great response so far when we toured it last year so we are taking it on the road again.

"I enjoyed bringing the last show to Croydon so I am looking forward to coming back with the new show. It should be great.

"It is a dance show at its heart but more than that we have the live band and there is a lot of interaction between myself and the audience.

"The perception of dancing has changed since Strictly came on TV and it means people like myself can put on these shows. You can tell a story through choreography and people like that."

Cole first got into dancing after his mum made him and his brother do it when they were younger. Incidentally Brendan’s brother is one of the dancers on the show.

He played a lot of sport when he was younger but dancing was something he continued throughout his life.

Cole adds: "I am really quite lucky mum made me go to dancing as it is my career and I really love doing it.

"Most of the choreography is mine but it is a collective effort and everyone helps out. It is a very diverse show where we go from an intense argentine tango to a jive.

"We do a lot of stuff which is high energy and high impact. I like to push boundaries as who wants to be in their comfort zone.

"The show has something for everybody and visually it is spectacular. It is a big show and if you love Strictly it should be the show for you."

Brendan Cole: License to Thrill, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, February 21, 8pm, £32 to £36, call 02086889291 or visit www.fairfield.co.uk.