As the highly anticipated Blackpool week approaches, contestants of Strictly Come Dancing express their excitement and enthusiasm for an unforgettable evening filled with dazzling performances and cherished memories.
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This weekend marks a significant event for the stars of Strictly Come Dancing as they prepare for the highly anticipated Blackpool special. The show, which usually takes place at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, temporarily relocates to the illustrious Tower Ballroom in Blackpool for one week each year.
This esteemed venue is celebrated for its rich history in Latin and ballroom dancing competitions.
With the competition narrowing down to six couples due to the recent withdrawal of drag performer La Voix, who is recovering from an injury, the excitement in the air is palpable.
The upcoming performances promise to showcase the remaining talent in a setting that every dancer dreams of.
Star-studded performances and routines
Hosted by the dynamic duo of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, Saturday’s live show will kick off with a vibrant medley by the iconic group Steps, accompanied by the professional dancers and celebrity contestants, along with the judging panel.
Among the highlights, Doctor Who star Alex Kingston and professional dancer Johannes Radebe will grace the dance floor with their couple’s choice routine, featuring the tracks History Repeating and Look At Me by the Propellerheads, featuring Dame Shirley Bassey and Geri Halliwell-Horner. The performances will also include a lively salsa from internet sensation George Clarke and Alexis Warr, set to Bob Sinclair’s Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now), ensuring a night filled with energy.
Unique dance styles to captivate audiences
Other exciting routines include soap star Lewis Cope and Katya Jones performing a Charleston to the Arctic Monkeys’ I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, along with reality star Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, who will dazzle the audience with a quickstep to Reach by S Club 7. The show will also feature a dramatic paso doble from former Lioness Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, accompanied by the powerful composition O Fortuna from Carl Orff’s cantata Carmina Burana.
Additionally, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and Australian dancer Julian Caillon will perform an Argentine tango to The Logical Song by Supertramp, representing the culmination of their efforts to stay in the competition after narrowly avoiding elimination last week.
Celebrating the journey and community spirit
Viewers are in for a treat on Sunday, when the professional dancers will collaborate with former competitors, including singer Ashley Roberts, actor Danny Mac, singer Jay McGuiness, and musical theatre star Layton Williams. This nostalgic performance will allow them to relive some of their most cherished moments from their time on Strictly Come Dancing.
McGuiness, who took home the champion title in 2015, will join Mac and Roberts, who reached the finals in their respective years of 2016 and 2018, alongside Layton, the most recent finalist in. The routine will incorporate elements from their previous dances, including jives, samba, and quicksteps, ensuring a captivating homage to their journeys.
Contestants reflect on their experiences
As the performers prepare for the weekend, Sopal expressed her excitement, stating she felt as if she had “hit the jackpot.” In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared her joy about the beautiful weather and the thrill of experiencing Blackpool. “We’ve had fish and chips and rode the Sky Flyer – where I screamed the whole time but enjoyed stunning views of the town,” she wrote. Sopal emphasized the significance of this opportunity, thanking fans for their support and urging them to continue voting for her and her partner.
Similarly, Davies also shared her gratitude, exclaiming, “I can’t believe I’m having the Strictly Blackpool experience! The town’s warm welcome is incredible, and I’m eagerly anticipating stepping onto that famous ballroom floor.”
With the competition narrowing down to six couples due to the recent withdrawal of drag performer La Voix, who is recovering from an injury, the excitement in the air is palpable. The upcoming performances promise to showcase the remaining talent in a setting that every dancer dreams of.0
