Strictly high-flying: Kelvin Fletcher trades dance moves for dirt jumps at Arenacross

Tomorrow night, Manchester’s AO Arena will be roaring with the sound of high-revving engines and electrifying excitement as Arenacross lands in the city.

And among the high-flying motocross daredevils, there’s one familiar face swapping sequins for speed—2019 ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ winner and former ‘Emmerdale’ star, Kelvin Fletcher.

Arenacross, AO Arena

As a big motocross fan, this event truly showcases the excitement and thrill of the sport,” Kelvin shared. “It’s a must for any young family. I’ll be there with mine, completely in awe of these world-class athletes.”

While this isn’t his first time watching Arenacross, it’s certainly the first time he’ll be on the other side of the track. “

I did a bit of motocross as a kid, but this is a whole different level,” he admitted. “With all the obstacles, the packed-out audience, and the sheer energy of the event, it’s definitely a challenge. But just like with ‘Strictly,’ you have to throw yourself into it, give it a go, and enjoy the ride!”

Kelvin Fletcher at Arenacross

Most people in Manchester grow up playing football, but for Kelvin, the thrill of dirt biking captured his heart early on. “It’s funny, that was my go-to as a kid, yeah,” he recalled.

“My first bike was a little Kiwi 50. Bikes have always been part of my upbringing, so anything with an engine. Fixing things and then getting to ride them as well.”

Kelvin is thrilled that Arenacross is returning to his hometown. “Oh, here in Manchester, yeah, it’s fantastic. I think they’ve been on the road for quite a while now. This is an event where you don’t even have to be into bikes to come. You can’t help but be captivated by the atmosphere; it’s pretty special.”

And the AO Arena isn’t unfamiliar territory for Kelvin. “I have performed there in a Strictly tour. The last gig I attended there? I think it was Big Night at the Musicals. Yeah, that was it. It’s an amazing arena.”

The thrill of Arenacross

For those new to the sport, Arenacross is an electrifying blend of indoor motocross racing and jaw-dropping freestyle MX stunts, all set to a heart-pounding soundtrack and enhanced with pyrotechnics and flames. Since its explosive debut in 2013 at London’s O2 Arena, Arenacross has toured major international arenas, leaving audiences stunned with its raw, unscripted competition.

When asked about his feelings ahead of this unique ‘performance,’ Kelvin laughed.

“Yeah, it’ll be a race haha! I use the term ‘race’ loosely because I think we’ll provide more entertainment and comedic value—a few random celebs.

“But no, it’ll be good fun. It’ll just be a nice bit of variation for the night. Some of the world’s best riders will be performing, so I think this will be a nice contrast.”

Manchester’s Jake Preston

One of the night’s key competitors, Manchester’s very own Jake Preston, has been a dominant force in British motocross since turning pro in 2017. A standout in the MX Nationals and British Motocross Championship, Jake is eager to bring his A-game to his hometown.

“The AO Arena is genuinely one of my favourite venues,” he said. “But Arenacross isn’t just about the racing—it’s an incredible show. Even if you’ve never watched motocross before, you can’t help but be captivated by the energy.”

Growing up in Manchester, Jake’s journey into motocross took a different route than most local kids who typically gravitate toward football or cricket. “People always ask me, ‘Manchester City or Manchester United?’” he laughed.

“But my dad used to ride, so I got into biking early on. I started locally at Barton Aerodrome and quickly progressed to national competitions. Before I knew it, I was travelling the world. But there’s nothing like racing at home.”

Back to his roots

While Arenacross is bringing Jake back to his hometown, he’s also relishing the chance to enjoy Manchester’s buzzing culture. “With two kids now, we often go to Rudy’s for pizza—it’s a family favourite.

“But honestly, I love walking around the city, grabbing a beer, and soaking up the atmosphere. The vibe here is incredible.”

A night of unforgettable action

With Kelvin Fletcher ready to swap dancing shoes for dirt bikes and Jake Preston set to thrill his home crowd, Arenacross Manchester promises to be an unmissable spectacle. Whether you’re a lifelong motocross fan or just looking for a night of edge-of-your-seat entertainment, the AO Arena is the place to be.

Expect high-flying stunts, intense racing, and an atmosphere that will leave you breathless. One thing’s for sure—tomorrow night’s Arenacross is going to be unforgettable!

Tickets for Arenacross at the AO Arena

You can get tickets to Arenacross at the AO Arena by clicking here