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Strictly return set to be crowd puller
BLACKPOOL is on the up now Strictly is heading back to the resort.
The news that hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing could be heading back to Blackpool on a permanent basis has been welcomed by regeneration and tourism chiefs.
Blackpool Tower bosses have confirmed they are in talks with BBC chiefs about bringing the whole series of Strictly back to the "home of ballroom".
Geoff Sage, Blackpool Tower manager, and the world-famous ballroom, said: "Strictly will be a major crowd-puller for the Tower.
"There is no getting around the fact when the programme is in air it is one of our busiest times of the year but it is our job to make sure all parties are catered for.
"When I meet people who know I work for the Tower everyone mentions the programme, it is that well known and the first thing which comes to people's minds.
"The publicity we will get from this will also be exciting.
"People, whether they are dancers or not, will want to come to see where the stars dance and be in the same place."
And the resort's tourism leaders believe the return of the hit show is exactly the boost Blackpool needs.
Helen France, executive director of tourism at Blackpool Council, said: "It was really successful last year and it is clear we really impressed them.
"Bringing it back would require the Tower for a long period and we would have to see what kind of measures we could put in place but it would be fantastic to have it back again for more. We would be really happy if the BBC were to come back to Blackpool and happy to speak to them more."
Coun Peter Callow, leader of the council, added: "It's brilliant news if it's the case.
"I think the audience who came to it last time were unanimous it was the best show the series had put on.
"Blackpool is a mecca for all forms of dancing and the resort is Strictly's original home, let's not forget.
"It's fantastic and it shows Blackpool is back on the ascendancy and is continuing its re-emergence as a great resort."
And Peter Taylor, secretary for accommodation provider StayBlackpool, added: "It's amazing news – if we got the whole series the PR it would generate would be superb.
"Last year we had the chance to impress them and it just shows, when we put our minds to it, what we can achieve."
The BBC is under pressure to justify the 3.6bn it receives from the licence-fee payer every year by making cost savings in its budget, which will be announced in the next few weeks.
Director general Mark Thompson will publish the plans which also include job losses and a slimming down of its current broadcasting channels.
The BBC said it could not comment on its plans at present.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 14 C to 27 C
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