Strictly Come Dancing returns to Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Strictly is back in town after a two-year absence this weekend.

One of the UK’s best-loved TV shows heads back up north and is setting up camp in in the magnificent Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Blackpool has become synonymous with Strictly Come Dancing with the midway edition of the series moving from studios in London to the spiritual home of ballroom dancing for an unforgettable weekend.

Those who have seen the ballroom on television will no doubt have got a sense of the sheer splendour of this iconic venue, but nothing can prepare you for the first time you walk through the doors and see it in all of its opulence. It is a jaw-dropping sight.

The celebrities who are making the trip to the seaside this year include Fleur East, Helen Skelton, Kym Marsh, Molly Rainford, Ellie Taylor, Hamza Yassin, Tyler West, and Will Mellor.

They will be joined by the four judges –Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood, along with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The Blackpool weekend will also include a performance by British singer-songwriter and Eurovision star, Sam Ryder.

On the run up to Strictly weekend, The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is closed to prepare for a spectacular show, however this stunning ballroom is open to the public most days, meaning that dance enthusiasts can practise their moves on the sprung floor.

Blackpool’s Strictly connection doesn’t end at this particular venue. Many of the judges and professional dancers taking part in the show have fond memories of working their way through the junior and senior ranks in the world championship competitions at the nearby Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens.

Oh, and if you need a Strictly fix no matter when you are in Blackpool, make sure you go to Madame Tussauds where you can bust a few moves, hold the famous Glitterball trophy, and even raise a score paddle from the judges’ desk watched by the figures of Tess, Claudia and Craig.