Strictly comes to Blackpool

Get your sparkle on for the most dazzling dance event of the year. This weekend, November 18 and 19, will see one of the UK’s best-loved TV shows head back up north and set 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 are: Ellie Leach, Nigel Harman, Angela Rippon, Annabel Croft, Angela Scanlon, Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier.

For some, it’s a first time outing to Blackpool – and we can’t wait to welcome them! They will be joined by the four judges –Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, our 2021 Switch-On star Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood, along with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The Blackpool weekend will also include a performance from Madness. 

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.

For the wallflowers among you, don’t worry. Spectators can sit back with afternoon tea and enjoy the magical charm.

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 the time or date 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.