Published: 16 November 2024
Strictly Come Dancing is back at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom for its dazzling 20th anniversary year!
For one unforgettable week, the show’s magic will be even bigger, brighter, and more glamorous, filling the Tower Ballroom with extra sparkle and energy. Blackpool – a legendary landmark in the ballroom dance world – awaits our celebrities and professional dancers, who are thrilled to perform on its legendary floor. With an expanded cast of professional dancers and the electric Northern atmosphere, this year’s Blackpool special promises to be an unmissable celebration.
Let’s turn up the glitz in Blackpoolon iPlayer and BBC One onSaturday 16 November from 6.45pm.Watchlist it now.
- Blackpool Week Song and Dance List: Find out which songs our couples will be dancing to and which routines they'll be performing in the Tower Ballroom
Strictly's Blackpool Week Guest Act
On Saturday night, the Pet Shop Boys will open the show with a medley of some of their greatest hits, with the Strictly professional dancers joining them for a spectacular opening number. Then, on Sunday night’s Results Show, they will perform their brand-new single All The Young Dudes.
Blackpool Week Pro Dance
The highly anticipated professional dancers’ performance at Blackpool’s prestigious Tower Ballroom will feature a stunning Argentine Tango set in a glamorous 1940s hotel.
Choreographed by Matt Flint, Leandro Palou, and Maria Tsiatsiani, this electrifying routine will showcase the show’s talented professional dancers alongside supporting extra dancers.
Set to the sultry sounds of Tango Jalousie, the performance promises to immerse the audience in a world of vintage glamour and intense passion, creating a Blackpool moment that will be nothing short of unforgettable.
Strictly Blackpool Facts and Figures
A total of 99 celebrities and 52 professional dancers have performed in Blackpool’s iconic ballroom, with 9 judges gracing the Tower Ballroom from behind the judges’ desk.
There have been 107 tens awarded by the Strictly judges in Blackpool.
The dance styles that have received the most 'tens' at Blackpool are:
- Quickstep with 22 tens
- American Smooth with 15 tens
- Charleston with 13 tens
Bruno Tonioli has awarded the most tens at Blackpool, with 31 out of a total of 107 tens given at this venue.
Six couples have received a perfect 40 at Blackpool:
- Danny & Oti – Charleston, Series 14
- Ashley & Pasha – Jive, Series 16
- Fleur & Vito – Couple’s Choice, Series 20
- Harry & Aliona – Quickstep, Series 9 (Final)
- Harry & Aliona – Argentine Tango, Series 9
- Jason & Kristina – Show Dance, Series 9
Strictly Blackpool Week 2024 Celebrities and Pro Partners
Catch up with the couples ahead of their big weekend in the Tower Ballroom.
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Chris
Do you have any memories of visiting Blackpool or similar seaside towns when you were a child?
We used to go to Blackpool a lot when I was a kid. I’ve got loads of memories of the seafront, the beach and the fairgrounds. I'd never go on rollercoasters when I was that age. I think because I could see them, they terrified me, whereas now I can't see them, I’m not bothered so I'll go on anything. Memories of the arcades and spending time in the early 90’s there. I loved sticks of rock and donkey rides.
The Blackpool Tower ballroom has an iconic sprung floor. How do you feel about performing on that?
I can't imagine it's going to be as springy as I’m led to believe it is! It's good to be there.
Why do you think Blackpool holds such legendary status in the world of dance?
It's a synonymous place, isn't it? I believe it's the Wembley for ballroom dancers, and two months in, maybe I'm a ballroom dancer now!? I knew nothing about ballroom dancing eight weeks ago.
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
It's something that means a lot to the professional dancers. Strictly is a two way relationship and they don't get to dance there every year with a partner because they leave at different points of the competition each year. To be able to get to Blackpool with Dianne and give her that opportunity to dance there again means more to me than me being able to go there myself.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Colder.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
My bucket and spade so we can build sandcastles on the beach.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Chips and gravy.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Carousel because I'm not in it for the view, am I?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool illuminations?
Well, again, I’m not in it for the view am I?! I've seen the illuminations a lot when I was a kid and could see them. Nowadays you could tell me they're there and who knows, so I’ll take the Pleasure Beach.
Dianne
Can you tell us about any unforgettable moments you’ve experienced in Blackpool as part of Strictly or as part of your career before Strictly?
The Quickstep I did with Joe Sugg in 2018.
How does the energy at Blackpool differ from other weeks?
It's always bigger and better.
How do you prepare to bring that extra spark?
Being in Blackpool itself, the ballroom makes it all feel grander. I feel like everyone goes above and beyond.
What does the performing at the Blackpool Tower mean?
It's very special because I always dreamed to perform in Blackpool as a little girl growing up in Australia. Every time I go there, it’s a pinch me moment.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase?
Magical.
What’s a behind-the-scenes secret about preparing for the Blackpool episode that viewers might find surprising?
There’s not much room in the dressing rooms. You would think there’s more space but there's actually less space!
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
My biggest jumper or jacket because it's so cold.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Chips and gravy.
Ferris Wheel or carousel?
Carousel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Illuminations.
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
Jamie
Do you have any memories of visiting Blackpool or similar seaside towns when you were a child?
I’ve been to Blackpool a few times, we come up for the darts most years so I’m a relatively frequent visitor.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has an iconic sprung floor. How do you feel about performing on that?
I’m certainly happy to hear about the springy floor as we're dancing a Jive!
Why do you think Blackpool holds such a legendary status in the world of dance and Strictly Come Dancing?
I understand it’s the home of ballroom dancing so it’s the spiritual home.
Which iconic Blackpool performance from past series has inspired you the most?
I remember Jay and Aliona’s Salsa to Cuba...what a brilliant routine.
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
Well, I would say especially in this special anniversary it's a really great thing. Getting to Blackpool is a personal target I set myself when joining the show, so it’s be a real sense of personal achievement that we’re performing there.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
An absolute highlight.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
One of my electric guitars, so I could have a little chill out in my room and jam along to a few tracks.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Chips without the gravy.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Ferris wheel, for the views. I’m not really a fan of rides!
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Illuminations.
Michelle
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
Well of course it’s the 20th anniversary so it makes it even more special, but the Blackpool Tower is somewhere that is known to be one of the most important places in the Latin and Ballroom industry to perform in. It has a lot of history so it's really an honour to be there and it's very special feeling to perform in there.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Fun, I think Blackpool is all about fun, having a good time. I think everyone really associates it with happiness. That’s what Blackpool is about, even more because it’s a milestone in the competition and everyone is aiming to reach there.
Can you tell us about any unforgettable moments you’ve experienced in Blackpool as part of Strictly or as part of your career before Strictly?
I think maybe the stand-out moment was when we performed a group number to Sam Ryder in Blackpool, it was really beautiful choreography, and it just felt really nice to dance to Sam’s gorgeous voice in the Tower Ballroom. It was a special feeling.
How does the energy at Blackpool differ from other weeks? How do you prepare to bring that extra spark?
I think that Blackpool is the week that everyone wants to get to, it’s that milestone that we strive towards from the beginning of the show so maybe there’s a little bit more pressure to get through to that week I think that it’s an achievement in itself to get to Blackpool, and I think we are just going to bring that extra spark by just adding extra fun to our routine really going for it and having a good time I mean we're in Blackpool so that's the place to have fun and just leave our hearts on the dance floor.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Sugar doughnuts.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Carousel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Illuminations.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
A necklace that my Mum bought for me.
JB Gill and Lauren Oakley
JB
Do you have any memories of visiting Blackpool or similar seaside towns when you were a child?
I remember going to lots of different seaside towns with my Great Aunt, she was always doing camps and summer excursions and we always used to get a stick of rock wherever we went to, like Skegness and Grimsby, I used to try and convince my Great Aunt that I was allowed to eat the whole stick of rock in one go!
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has an iconic sprung floor. How do you feel about performing on that?
Obviously a sprung floor is always good, and I'm doing a Quickstep which is quite bouncy I believe! So many incredible people have danced on the iconic Blackpool ballroom floor. World Championships have been won there. I’ve performed there as part of JLS as well so it's going to be nice to be back there dancing instead of singing and taking in that incredible atmosphere because I think there's more people in the audience compared to the Elstree studio so it's going to be an amazing atmosphere.
Why do you think Blackpool holds such a legendary status in the world of dance and Strictly Come Dancing?
I think it will be just the prestige of it and whenever you get a venue or a place that has so much history people have expectation of something that's going to be great. I'd love to be able to make my own little bit of history.
Which iconic Blackpool performance from past series has inspired you the most?
Karim and Amy did a Charleston in Blackpool, Karim is an amazing dancer anyway but that was definitely iconic certainly in terms of Strictly history and I'm sure in terms of Blackpool history as well.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Electrifying.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
A card from my daughter Chiara.
What’s a behind-the-scenes secret about preparing for the Blackpool episode that viewers might find surprising?
I guess people might not realise that you spend about three or four days training up in Blackpool before the actual live show on the Saturday. So it’s almost like a full week of preparation which is good actually because every time I’ve been to Blackpool I’ve not really had time to look around so hopefully I’ll get a chance to do a bit of sightseeing as well as rehearse and prepare for the show on Saturday night.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Sugar doughnuts.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Ferris wheel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Illuminations.
Lauren
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
It’s the home of ballroom and Latin, I’ve grown up there and the ballroom is a magical place. As soon as you enter, all the memories and feelings come flooding back. I think there’s definitely added excitement as it’s the 20th year of Strictly, and of course a little bit of pressure, but what’s most important is to soak it all up and enjoy!
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Adrenaline! There is so much excitement swirling round in such a prestigious place for ballroom dancing, the adrenaline is intense!
What’s a behind-the-scenes secret about preparing for the Blackpool episode that viewers might find surprising?
We really have to think about camera angles with our entrances and exits for group numbers because there are fewer places to ‘hide’ - we are very exposed and can be seen everywhere. It’s a super old ballroom, and not a tv studio!
Can you tell us about any unforgettable moments you’ve experienced in Blackpool as part of Strictly or as part of your career before Strictly?
I haven’t competed at Blackpool in Strictly yet, but the group numbers are always one to remember. Before being on Strictly, definitely any time you get announced as a winner - running on the floor to applause. All the hard work pays off!
How does the energy at Blackpool differ from other weeks? How do you prepare to bring that extra spark?
The energy is different because we’re preparing to perform in the best ballroom in the world! We also go to an environment that’s outside of the usual routine, so everyone travels together and it’s a big team effort.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
I believe you’re in charge of your own luck, so I’m not very superstitious, however, whenever I travel away from home for dancing, I always take my teddy bear Fred to make sure I get a good sleep at night before I dance!
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Chips and gravy.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Carousel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach!
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Montell
Do you have any memories of visiting Blackpool or similar seaside towns when you were a child?
I’ve never been to Blackpool but I can't wait for JoJo to show me around.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has an iconic sprung floor. How do you feel about performing on that?
Well, I'm excited about trying out something completely new, and hearing the dancers talk about sprung floors. It's like in athletics, we talk about running on a Tartan track or on a Mondo track. You have no idea what that means, but Mondo track is faster and nicer and harder, and it feels different. And I imagine it's going to be just like that dancing at Blackpool. It's probably going to feel amazing.
Why do you think Blackpool holds such a legendary status in the world of dance and Strictly Come Dancing?
I think that Blackpool holds such a very iconic space and special moment for everybody in the Ballroom and Latin world because it's just the place to be. It's the place where dancers aspire to go to it is the Olympics for an athlete. And I think it's always a pleasure and an honour for people to experience that.
Which iconic Blackpool performance from past series has inspired you the most?
Harry and Aliona’s Quickstep to Don’t Get Me Wrong by the Pretenders. Iconic.
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
I think every week the pressure builds, and the fact that Blackpool comes over halfway in the competition, and you want to improve week by week, you are pushing yourself. Plus you want to do an amazing job in that beautiful, beautiful space, and you want the dance that you perform to really replicate and sync with the actual ballroom.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Majestic.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
My camera, to capture all the memories.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Sugar doughnuts.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Carousel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Illuminations.
Johannes
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
Blackpool is the home of Ballroom. It’s always special to dance at Blackpool and Strictly gave me the opportunity. When I was competing, we couldn’t afford to travel to the UK. So to be dancing in Strictly’s 20th Anniversary is a double honour.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Magical – there’s nothing like it.
What’s a behind-the-scenes secret about preparing for the Blackpool episode that viewers might find surprising?
We always have more dancers and with the travel to Blackpool often less training time but it’s just fantastic to be back at The Tower.
Can you tell us about any unforgettable moments you’ve experienced in Blackpool as part of Strictly or as part of your career before Strictly?
My first year as it was always my dream to dance at Blackpool – but also last year’s group routine! It was electric. Taking a celeb to Blackpool is always special – to see their face when they see the floor for the first time. It’s a moment!
How does the energy at Blackpool differ from other weeks? How do you prepare to bring that extra spark?
It’s like a school trip! Everyone wants to get to Blackpool so the excitement is off the scale. As the dance floor is bigger we have extra dancers so it just feels bigger! And costumes and makeup are always fantastic.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
Always my aftershave! I like a spray before we dance!
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Doughnuts.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Carousel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
The Illuminations!
Pete Wicks andJowita Przystał
Pete
Do you have any memories of visiting Blackpool or similar seaside towns when you were a child?
We didn’t have much money when I was younger, so we always went to the seaside. I really enjoyed the arcades and the lovely vibe there.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has an iconic sprung floor. How do you feel about performing on that?
I can't wait.
Why do you think Blackpool holds such a legendary status in the world of dance and Strictly Come Dancing?
I think just because the venue is so iconic, and the production is so much grander.
Which iconic Blackpool performance from past series has inspired you the most?
When Jowita and Hamza opened the show in 2022.
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
It's a moment I really want to share with Jowita because she’s done so much for me, and it means so much to her too. I love that I have the opportunity to give that back and we have the chance to dance there together after everything we’ve been through.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Memories.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
My dogs.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Chips and vinegar.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Ferris wheel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Jowita
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
Performing at Blackpool Tower is just simply so special. The atmosphere, the history everything makes it so unique. I feel very privileged to be able to come back there each year and share this dancefloor with some of the most talented dancers in the world. This year we celebrate Strictly’s 20th anniversary and I’m so happy I can introduce this magical place to Pete.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Fun.
What’s a behind-the-scenes secret about preparing for the Blackpool episode that viewers might find surprising?
Inside there are so many steps, so to get to where the glam team are and back down on the floor is quite challenging, so any quick changes are very intense!
Can you tell us about any unforgettable moments you’ve experienced in Blackpool as part of Strictly or as part of your career before Strictly?
I have so many beautiful memories of performing on stage, but one that stands out is when Vito, some of the hair and makeup team and I went to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. We had a blast, and after all the rides, Vito got a massive portion of doughnuts!
How does the energy at Blackpool differ from other weeks? How do you prepare to bring that extra spark?
Blackpool week is special for so many reasons. The travel, the Tower Ballroom – it’s just so different from Elstree. Unlike a regular week, we get to spend time with all the other couples, and it feels really nice to be together.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
My gemstones.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Sugar doughnuts.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Ferris wheel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Sarah
Do you have any memories of visiting Blackpool or similar seaside towns when you were a child?
My mum took me to Blackpool when I was a little. We got there and we did the rollercoaster... when our photograph came through everyone had their arms in the air but I'm nowhere to be seen. I'm in the brace position, probably screaming, brace, brace.
After that, my mum took us to go on a little donkey ride on the beach. I got on a donkey but it got spooked. I swung under the donkey and was dragged with my face in the sand. This donkey was called something like Brenda. It's like something in a horror film.
After that, I think I was a bit traumatised and just came home.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has an iconic sprung floor. How do you feel about performing on that?
I am so excited. I'm quite a bouncy person and Vito spends a lot of time telling me to stop being so bouncy. He says I'm like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. But then he's quite bouncy too, but he can control it. I'm worried that I'm going to have to be even less bouncy. To actually dance on it will be amazing.
Why do you think Blackpool holds such a legendary status in the world of dance and Strictly Come Dancing?
When any of the pro dancers talk about Blackpool they get this kind of reverence in their voice. When Vito talks about it, a glitter mist comes over him and he talks about winning there when he was younger. He becomes kind of misty eyed when he was talks about it, it gets quite emotional, and I want to experience that with him.
It seems like it's the Oscars of ballroom. The Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool week is a week when you're going to dress up if you’re watching the show at home. You’d put your tea in a pot, not just a mug!
Which iconic Blackpool performance from past series has inspired you most?
It's really hard to name a particular one because they have the extra dancers that really fill it out and make it really, really, super extra magical. I think every dance is elevated by being at Blackpool.
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
It’s just a huge privilege. How many people who are not professional dancers can say that they've competed on the ballroom at Blackpool? That's just crazy. There is added pressure because you've got the size and the scale, the privilege is just going to make me absolutely go for it.
Describe Blackpool week in one word.
Sensational.
What's a behind the scenes secret about preparing for the Blackpool episode that viewers might find surprising?
Vito has started talking a lot about being at the stage of the competition where you’re now in the world of real ballroom dancing. You have to start dancing like a pro now, because you are in a pro arena. He talks about the level of performance cranking up another gear, which is very exciting.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool what would it be?
My wetsuit, because I'll be going in the sea, and so will Vito! I've got my wetsuit, my little shoes, my little camping stove to make a cup of tea afterwards on the beach. I'm assuming Vito will be coming along too.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Chips and mushy peas, never gravy. Never sugar doughnuts. I hate doughnuts.
Ferries wheel or carousel?
Carousel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Illuminations.
Vito
Can you tell us about any unforgettable moments you’ve experienced in Blackpool as part of Strictly or as part of your career before Strictly?
I love Blackpool. I won the Blackpool Tower competition in 2008 when I was 15. Years later I came back and I had the first 40 of the series on my first Strictly with Fleur East in our couple’s choice routine – it's a special place.
How does the energy at Blackpool differ from other weeks?
I love Blackpool week because it’s just a unique week. Every time I’m in Blackpool, I can feel the energy of years and years of dancing and all the big legends that have danced there.
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this anniversary year?
Every time I perform in Blackpool on the dance floor, I feel like I am in the centre of the world. Words cannot describe how amazing the feeling of dancing on the ballroom in Blackpool is. I really hope to be able to give to Trilly [Sarah’s nickname] the best experience. Every week is beautiful and different, but Blackpool is just Blackpool. I’m very happy to be able to perform once again in Blackpool. I’m very excited and I hope to give my best in order to bring the biggest smile to everyone’s face and to bring all the joy to all the people.
Is there an added pressure at Blackpool?
I honestly feel the pressure every single week so there’s always pressure.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
I’ll probably choose the belly button because belly button is the centre of our body and for me Blackpool is the centre of the world, so Blackpool for me is the belly button of the world!
What’s a behind-the-scenes secret about preparing for the Blackpool episode that viewers might find surprising?
I think the main thing is the many hours of our soul and practice and lots of sweat and repetition that go into the show. In my case lots of food, power naps and lots of fun too!
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
Chocolate, I know that in Blackpool is known for good fish and chips but I’m not sure about the good chocolate and I want to make sure that wherever I am in the world I can always have good chocolate.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Sugar doughnuts.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Ferris wheel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Tasha Ghouri andAljaž Škorjanec
Tasha
Do you have any memories of visiting Blackpool or similar seaside towns when you were a child?
I remember driving down the promenade in my family’s convertible car, looking at the illuminations at night with a blanket wrapped round me.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has an iconic sprung floor. How do you feel about performing on that?
It is going to be an absolute dream to experience. I’ve heard so much about it so to be able to feel it for myself will be so lovely. All the professionals talk about it so I need to experience this floor!
Why do you think Blackpool holds such a legendary status in the world of dance and Strictly Come Dancing?
Blackpool is legendary because it’s such a unique venue, and it’s known as one of the most special places in the competition world. In the UK especially, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is beautiful and grand, and having that week away from the Elstree studio brings a fresh atmosphere, new energy, and a bigger audience. Everyone gets really pumped up for Blackpool – it just feels so much more special. You hear about the historic ballroom competitions held there, and it’s such a respected space in dance, which is why everyone loves it so much.
Which iconic Blackpool performance from past series has inspired you the most?
One of the most iconic routines I remember is Carlos and Angela [Scanlon]'s Argentine Tango. It was just epic – so strong and memorable. Even to this day, I think of that dance as truly iconic.
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
It’s truly magical to experience both the show and Blackpool, especially in such a special year. I’ve heard so much about Blackpool and how amazing it is – the whole Saturday, the buzz, the excitement. To make it to Blackpool is honestly just a dream. It’s that bucket list moment everyone wants to reach.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Magical.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
I’d take my soft toy Flat Ted as my good luck charm because, honestly, I can’t go anywhere without him. He has to be there with me – he’s my good luck charm.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
I love chips and gravy. But for an extra little touch, add some cheese. It's such a northern thing, chips, cheese and gravy is the way to go.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
I’ll be honest, I’m not really a fan of carousels or Ferris wheels – especially Ferris wheels, since the height is a bit scary. But if I had to choose, I’d go for a carousel. It feels easier and calmer for me.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Tricky one! Pleasure Beach would be amazing because of the roller coasters, so I feel like that would be so much fun. But then there’s the Blackpool Illuminations – they’re just magical. I remember from my childhood how pretty they were, especially at night. You can have hot chocolate and take a nice little walk by the beach to watch them.
Aljaž
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
Every single time you're in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, there’s a real sense of pressure. You feel a responsibility because of the incredible history in that space. Standing on that ballroom floor, you just want to deliver and be at your absolute best – especially in Strictly's 20th anniversary year. It’s such a special experience.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Illuminations.
What’s a behind-the-scenes secret about preparing for the Blackpool episode that viewers might find surprising?
All the props we use for the show are usually kept in a special area in the studio, but in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, they’re kind of scattered around!
Can you tell us about any unforgettable moments you’ve experienced in Blackpool as part of Strictly or as part of your career before Strictly?
Before Strictly, I remember my first time going to Blackpool – it was incredible just being there and competing against the best dancers in the world. That was really special. And then going back every year made it even more memorable. With Strictly, my first time on that floor with Abbey doing the Quickstep was an amazing feeling. No matter what you’re doing, being on that floor is unforgettable.
How does the energy at Blackpool differ from other weeks? How do you prepare to bring that extra spark?
I always think you don’t need to do anything extra because that room itself gives you an extra spark. I try to treat it like any other week, but when you step into the ballroom on Friday, you can feel it’s different. If you hype yourself up too much, it can get overwhelming. So, I just take it as it comes and focus on enjoying the ballroom.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
A good brush.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Sugar doughnuts.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Carousel.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Oh my god, Blackpool Illuminations.
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Wynne
Do you have any memories of visiting Blackpool or similar seaside towns when you were a child?
We would always go to Blackpool as a family and we would watch shows at the end of the pier like Mike Yarwood, Sir Lenny Henry and Ken Dodd. We would love it. In the daytime, we would go and sit in the Tower Ballroom and watch the Wurlitzer organ go up and down and then sometimes in the evening as a treat we would go to the Tower Circus. It is a really special place.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has an iconic sprung floor. How do you feel about performing on that?
I don’t know what a sprung floor will bring to my dancing, but I’m hoping that it brings quite a lot if I’m honest. Anything to help with elevation and bounce is most welcome.
Why do you think Blackpool holds such a legendary status in the world of dance and Strictly Come Dancing?
Blackpool is the place that all the professional dancers talk about, where they’ve had their biggest successes and I think that kind of storytelling rubs off on the celebrity partners. I know Katya had so many successes at Blackpool, she’s won multiple world titles and I’m excited to go and share the experience of Strictly with her.
What does performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom mean to you, especially in this special anniversary year, is there added pressure and excitement?
I would love to go to Blackpool and perform. I know if my late parents were still alive they would’ve loved to be there to relive old memories with me and they would not have been able to believe that I’m dancing on the dancefloor.
If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
In one word, iconic.
If you could bring one item home from Blackpool, what would it be?
Some famous Blackpool Rock.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
Chips and gravy.
Ferris wheel or carousel?
Ferris wheel.
Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Definitely the illuminations.
Katya
Can you tell us about any unforgettable moments you’ve experienced in Blackpool as part of Strictly or as part of your career before Strictly?
I have performed in Blackboard multiple times in my professional career and one of the most unforgettable moments was when Neil and I made it into the final of the World Open Blackpool Dance Championships. It wasn’t even the winning, but making that first breakthrough into the final was really unbelievable to the point where when they called out our number, we didn't walk out because we didn't believe it was us.
How does the energy at Blackpool differ from other weeks?
Yes, the energy in Blackpool is always different. The hall is bigger, so you have to really fill that space with your performance, with energy and spark, which sort of comes quite naturally because it's an epic room to be dancing in.
What does the performing at the Blackpool Tower mean?
It means a lot. Bringing dancing back to where it belongs with Strictly as a dancer is a big deal. It means ballroom dancing is still relevant . Knowing that Strictly has been on for 20 years and there's still so much love for it, it's a big deal. If you could describe Blackpool week in one word or phrase? It would be like coming home. It's bringing dancing back to where it belongs.
What’s a behind-the-scenes secret about preparing for the Blackpool episode that viewers might find surprising?
Viewers might not know that there's a lot more preparation goes into it. There's an extra day of rehearsals where we learn the group dance. So celebrities and professionals all come together to learn extra choreography.
If you could take one item from home with you to Blackpool for good luck, what would it be?
I'm definitely bringing extra coats, hats and scarves, because you don't want to get cold in Blackpool.
Sugar doughnuts or chips and gravy?
I do love chips. Definitely chips, but no gravy.
Ferris Wheel or carousel?
I think a carousel. A traditional carousel that doesn't go too fast. That makes me feel like a child again!
Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blackpool Illuminations?
Blackpool Illuminations.
