Darren, paired with South Yorkshire professional Lilia Kopylova, proved the crowd's favourite on the opening night of the three-day run in the city's Arena.

After performing a foxtrot and Paso Doble the pair were described as "absolutely fantastic" by judge Len Goodman, "amazing" and "brilliant" by Craig Revel-Horwood and "fabulous" by Arlene Phillips.

Soaking up the adulation, former England international Darren - who also scooped top prize in the Saturday night show - described his experience as "awesome" and said it felt "good to be back in South Yorkshire" but admitted to feeling nervous performing in front of his home crowd.

Lilia's husband and professional dance partner Sheffield-born Darren Bennett didn't score as highly with the crowd but got an equally huge welcome to the Arena and deafening applause every time he hit the floor.

Paired with ex-EastEnders actress Letitia Dean, they too performed the foxtrot but chose the jive to showcase their Latin skills best.

Darren's parents Tony and Judith Bennett, who run the City Limits Dance School on Penistone Road, Sheffield, were in the audience as was Darren's twin brother Dale.

The other celebrities who performed in the show were former Olympic athlete Denise Lewis, TV presenter Zoe Ball, former EastEnders actors Chris Parker and Matt Di Angelo along with actress Louisa Lytton, who won the Saturday afternoon competition, and former rugby star Martin Offiah.

Tickets for next year's tour go on sale in Sheffield today, with prices staying the same - £45, £40 & £32.50 Call the Arena box office on 0114 256 56 56 or book online at www.sheffieldarena.co.uk.


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