Strictly stars set to light up The Tower...

Blackpool bound: Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole on the dance floor.

After Morning showbiz reporter Alison Hammond was eliminated last night in the BBC1 entertainment show, the line up for Saturday’s Latin love-in at Blackpool Tower Ballroom has been confirmed.

Set to feature are:

Simon Webbe, Caroline Flack, Jake Wood, Judy Murray, Sunetra Sarker, Mark Wright, Frankie Bridge, Pixie Lott and Steve Backshaw.

Strictly celebrity and Blackpool Switch-On star Pixie Lott will be back in town, with professional partner Trent Whiddon.

In August she was among the acts taking part on the Illumination’s Switch-On night – missing the second day of group dance training for the performance.

Luckily that’s not held her back and she’s one of the show’s favourites.

Pixie told The Gazette: “I like it in Blackpool and can’t wait to come back and have some fun.”

While Trent has visited Blackpool for dance competitions, Pixie’s looking forward to showing him the sights of the town.

“We are going to come up on Wednesday and we’re planning to do some exploring, to see the sights, ride donkeys and go on the rides.

“It will be fun to do all that.”

And there were plenty of name checks for the resort in Saturday’s show. Praising Blue singer Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff’s performance, head judge Len Goodman said: “As far as I’m concerned you’re going to go to the Golden Mile in Blackpool.”

Kristina told viewers: “The Tower Ballroom is a magnificent place, there’s nothing like it and I want Simon to experience it. And he’s a Northerner.”

Jake Wood, Eastenders’ Max Branning said: “I’m really pleased to be half way and Blackpool’s in sight, I’m loving it – bring it on.”

After Casualty actress Sunetra Sarker’s glamourous foxtrot with Brendan Cole, Len said: “As Henry the Eighth would say ‘Take them to The Tower’.”

Zoe Ball urged fans to vote, saying: “If you want Alison to swap her top hat for a kiss me quick hat then vote.”

The Blackpool-born stand in host went to town on the resort references, also adding: “If you think The Only Way Is Blackpool for Mark, Wright, of The Only Way Is Essex fame, call to vote.

And professional dancer Kevin Clifton called for support for his celeb Frankie Sandford – as he’s competed in Blackpool throughout his dance career. “It’s the home of ballroom dancing,” he said.

Follow our Strictly in Blackpool build up all week in The Gazette