The BBC Strictly Come Dancing original series hasn't even come to an end yet and already the winner of the pre-recorded Christmas special has been leaked online.
18.11.2023 - 20:03 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The annual trip to Blackpool's Tower Ballroom is one of the most anticipated traditions for Strictly Come Dancing viewers. Blackpool Week usually takes place during the second half of the competition, showcasing the strongest contestants still left with a chance of lifting the Glitterball trophy.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has been the home of ballroom dancing in Britain for more than a century, with the BBC filming at the opulent venue intermittently since the show started in 2004. Since 2009, Blackpool Week has become a regular fixture in November, with the iconic setting adding an extra sprinkle of glamour and razzle dazzle to the performances.
Talking about why dancers feel extra pressure on Blackpool week, former Strictly Come Dancing judge, Bruno Tonioli, said: "There are so many special times in Blackpool because there's such a sense of occasion which creates an incredible atmosphere.
"Far more members of the public can fit into the Tower Ballroom compared to the studio in London, so you have to really sell your performance ten times more - you can't just go through the motions."
With the return of Blackpool Week, we've looked back at some of the memorable performances through the years - the good, the bad, and the iconic.
One of the most memorable moments from Blackpool has to be Ann Widdecombe being pulled around the ballroom floor by professional dance partner Anton Du Beke. The pair were both dressed in bright canary yellow outfits, with Anton spinning Ann around the floor with arms flailing.
The judges compared the former Tory MP to haemorrhoids and a 'lame canary' that night. The pair received the lowest score out of all the contestants at 13 out of 40. The performance drew gasps and laughs in equal
The BBC Strictly Come Dancing original series hasn't even come to an end yet and already the winner of the pre-recorded Christmas special has been leaked online.
Actor Nigel Harman sadly had to withdraw from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend after he sustained an injury to his ribs that landed him - ironically - in the emergency room. According to the 50 year old, he injured himself during rehearsals while practising a stunt, telling host Claudia Winkleman that he was "leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men." "As I flew I was Peter Pan and as I landed, I was in A&E," he shared.
Antony Cotton has thrown support behind his former Coronation Street co-star Ellie Leach as the Strictly Come Dancing final approaches. The actor, who has played factory worker Sean Tully in the ITV soap since 2011, said he is 'so proud' of the former Faye Windass actress, who is in the running for the Glitterball trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have shared their 'hope' after some thought a 'new dancer' had been hired. Things were a bit different on Sunday night (December 3) as the results show became a general chit-chat with the show's stars following an unexpected withdrawal from the BBC One dance contest.
Layton Williams has said 'think what you want' as he reacted to getting the first perfect score on Strictly Come Dancing 2023. The actor and West End star was elated alongside his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin when the judges awarded them a score of 40 on Saturday night (December 2).
Ellie Leach has shared her surprise and gratitude at reaching the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final.The former Coronation Street star, 22, who is competing for this year's Glitterball trophy with professional dancer Vito Coppola, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt thanks to her fans. Posting to her Instagram Story, Ellie wrote: "Never in a million years did I think we would get this far, I'm so grateful to be here and can't wait for another week of chaos with Vito Coppola. "Thank you all for your support none of this would be possible without you who support us every week." Ellie also shared a clip of Nigel Harman's emotional farewell, after he was forced to exit the show due to an injury, adding: "And as for this one...
Amy Dowden shared her praise and thanks to her Strictly Come Dancing co-star who was able to help her as she made a return to the ballroom just days after her latest hospital scare. The dancer was left gutted last week when she shared how she'd suffered a fresh setback with her health.
Bobby Brazier has said it was a "privilege" to honour his late mother Jade Goody on Strictly Come Dancing last week after his tribute left the judges, viewers and his dad, Jeff Brazier, in tears. The EastEnders actor performed a couple’s choice dance with professional partner Dianne Buswell.
Strictly Come Dancing fans were left amazed during Saturday's live show (December 2) when they spotted Tom Hiddleston and his partner Zawe Ashton in the live studio audience at Elstree Studios. Following the professional's impressive opening routine for Movie Week, Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly were introduced to the ballroom.
Strictly Come Dancing returned on Saturday night as the quarter-finals got underway. Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier, Layton Williams and Annabel Croft are the celebs left to battle it out for the glitterball trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing fans were left double checking they weren't seeing things as they spotted a very famous face in the audience. The BBC One dance contest returned to screens on Saturday night (December 2) for the all-important quarter-finals.
Strictly Come Dancing star Nigel Harman and his professional dance partner Katya Jones won't be performing tonight and have left the show on medical grounds.The dancing duo were expected to perform a Charleston to Step in Time from Disney's Mary Poppins for the exciting live quarter final. A BBC spokesperson said: “Unfortunately Nigel has sustained a rib injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly.” The show also spoke out on their official Instagram page and said: "Unfortunately, Nigel Harman and Katya Jones have had to withdraw from the competition.
Layton Williams, contestant on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has spoken out about rumours of a 'feud' with one of the show's judges. His dance partner Nikita Kuzmin also stood up for him during their appearance on This Morning on Tuesday (November 28), after they narrowly avoided being kicked off the dance contest.The duo received mixed reviews for their American Smooth routine to Bjork's It's Oh So Quiet on Saturday night, scoring a total of 34 points - lower than their usual scores.
Bruno Tonioli, who first graced our screens in Elton John's music video for "I'm Still Standing", has had quite the journey since his Strictly days. The 68 year old professional choreographer became a household name in 2004 when he joined the judging panel on the new BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. After eighteen years of entertaining us with his bubbly personality and flamboyant remarks, Bruno made a dramatic exit from the show.
Since setting foot on Strictly Come Dancing as the oldest ever contestant to participate, Angela Rippon wasted no time in capturing the hearts of the nation with her professional dancer partner Kai Widdrington. Week after week the couple continued to impress the judging panel with their dance floor finesse and constantly improving technique, however the couple sadly failed to make it beyond the Blackpool Tower ballroom when Angela was eliminated in week nine of the competition.
One of the remaining Strictly Come Dancing couples has been dealt a huge blow ahead of this week's show - as it has been claimed they 'won't make the final'. This weekend the BBC One dance contest enters week eleven which is not only the quarter-finals, but also the much-loved Musicals week. And the final five couples are ready to take to the dancefloor in the hope of impressing the judges and the voting public before the semi-finalists are revealed with the Glitterball trophy now well and truly in sight.
Ellie Leach has told her fans 'you're not alone' as she offered a personal update amid her busy training schedule with Vito Coppola. The former Coronation Street actress is currently working hard for another week competing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Bobby Brazier has been dazzling the Strictly Come Dancing audience with his beaming smile and infectious personality ever since he stepped foot in the ballroom with professional dance partner Dianne Buswell.
Strictly Come Daning fans have flooded Katya Jones with comments after she took to social media with her own three-word message. It comes after viewers of the BBC One dance contest were left concerned for her 'broken' celebrity dance partner Nigel Harman following the latest live show.
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