I watched the magic of Strictly Come Dancing at Blackpool Tower Ballroom unfold in front of my eyes
I was in the audience as Strictly Come Dancing filmed their live Blackpool extravaganza inside the Tower Ballroom, and have loved watching the ‘Strictly’ magic build in my home town all week.
Watching the annual Strictly show being filmed in the Tower Ballroom was simply magical. As a Blackpool resident it was the culmination of an exciting week in the town I’m proud to call my home.
During ‘Blackpool Week’, as it’s affectionately known, Victoria Street gradually transforms into a production village all ready for the celebs and their professional dance partners to light up the sprung dancefloor during the prime time Saturday live show.
Dance stars visit landmarks
As VT’s roll on the big screen in the Tower Ballroom, I spot very familiar landmarks I walk past on a daily basis. I recognise small local businesses that probably aren’t used to being on the tele. It shows how the dance couples have spent their days in Blackpool when they haven’t been rehearsing.
It’s great to see the town celebrated on such a grand scale. Everyone involved in the Strictly show is excited to be in Blackpool, and fans travel from far and wide to greet them outside hoping for a selfie or an autograph with their favourite celebs.
Heartwarming fan interactions
On the morning of the live broadcast, I watch stars jump out of their taxis and literally spend half an hour chatting with fans and signing Strictly annuals, makeshift glitterballs and even a cuddly toy! There are some genuinely heartwarming moments seeing how Karen Carney and George Clarke interact with those who have travelled to support them.
The couples, who I watched arrive early doors to an eager crowd of fans, look incredible as they take the stage. It’s their moment to shine with an accelerated routine that Strictly Blackpool is synonymous with.
Spectacular show rocks Blackpool
The tricks and flips, the costumes, and the scale of production are all bigger and bolder. Each couple is backed up by an incredible team of backing dancers who help to transform a great dance routine into a spectacular show.
The highlight for me was a mindblowing Paso Double by Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, which was packed with drama and mystery as she channeled a fortune teller. While Craig only scored it a 9, Shirley Ballas said she’d ‘never seen a paso like it’ and that the Lioness’ routine will ‘go down in history’.
‘Speechless’ Anton Du Beke
And Craig Revel-Horwood even got out his 10 paddle for Lewis Cope and Katya Jones’ highly energetic Charleston which was packed with electrifying moves. The routine was praised for its ‘synchronicity’ and Anton Du Beke said it left him ‘speechless’.
Watching Strictly alumni return to the floor for a reunion spectacular felt very special.
It’s a reminder of some of the extraordinary talent that has been part of Strictly Come Dancing over the years, including previous winner Danny Mac, and Layton who performs some ‘don’t try this at home’ stunts that leaves the audience stunned.
And the finale saw George and Alexis take on a dazzling fairground-themed samba that felt like a celebration of Blackpool seaside culture.
Blackpool week is finished for another year, and long may Strictly continue to bring it’s sparkle to the resort.