Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to Blackpool later this year following official confirmation from the BBC. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has seen some memorable performances from Strictly contestants including from MPs Ed Balls and Ann Widdecombe.
Even judge Craig Revel Horwood joined in the fun once when he rode in on a firework shooting guitar. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has been an iconic home for British dance for more than 100 years with the BBC filming in the grand venue intermittently since 2004.
It became an annual fixture from 2013 to 2019 and Blackpool week, which takes place in November, is a special milestone that dancers, celebrities and fans look forward to. Strictly viewers were left disappointed when the location was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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The award-winning show is set to return to its so-called spiritual home later this year, however, so we decided to take a look some of the most famous moments that have taken place on the boards at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke - 2010
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.
It is that said politics is a tough place however 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.
Nevertheless the performance drew gasps and laughs in equal measures and is fondly remembered by Strictly fans.
Judy Murray and Anton Du Beke - 2014
Grand slam tennis champion Andy Murray may have been painted as a stoic figure in the press, however his mum Judy was certainly more animated when she made it all the way to Blackpool with her Viennese Waltz. The Scottish tennis coach felt that she was the worst dancer of the series which made her performance at the grand venue all the more special.
She achieved her highest score ever in the ballroom because she worked so hard during Blackpool week. Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli was very impressed and said: "She really went for it and did a wonderfully good, solid performance and not a comedy turn. She really put the effort in and it was stunning."
Ed Balls and Katya Jones - 2016
Another MP to make an impression at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom was former Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls. Ed lit up the ballroom, literally, as he was lowered from harness whilst playing a flaming grand piano as part of a performance Elton John would have been proud of.
Quite fittingly, he played Great Balls Of Fire before entering into a jive dance with partner Katya Jones. The politician divided opinion with some judges stating it was "mockery" if such a bad dancer went on to win the glitterball trophy.
He didn't but judge Craig Revel Horwood loved the Blackpool performance nonetheless and said Ed was an inspiration to "all the couch potatoes at home doing nothing" - hailing the former shadow chancellor as promoting dance.
Simon Webbe & Kristina Rihanoff - 2004
The Moulin Rouge inspired Argentine Tango is not only one of the more memorable performances in Blackpool but also in the history in Strictly Come Dancing. The couple hadn't been doing too well in series 12 but came back fighting this night.
The focus, sharpness and synchronicity of the dance were noticed by the three judges who awarded them 10s. The performance was that good they performed it again at the finals where it gained a full 40 marks.
Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice - 2017
The former magician's assistant was 59 and looked fantastic when she took to the ballroom dancefloor dressed as Ginger Spice with her Spice Girls-themed performance. Donning the iconic ginger and blonde wig with Union Jack dress, Debbie McGee performed a Samba to a medley of the girl band's hits.
Her four backing dancers dressed as Posh, Scary, Baby and Sporty joined her and Debbie scored an impressive 33 out of 40 for her efforts which included dropping into the splits. Bruno was particularly enthusiastic and thanked Debbie for bringing "girl power" to the tower
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev - 2014
Caroline and her partner Pasha Kovalev took the ballroom to Turkey in 2014 with their Charleston dance to Istanbul during their performance. The choreography was described as quirky but with perfect timing and the pair went on to get score a 38 from the judges.
Caroline won series 12 that year. The former Love Island presenter, who took her own life in 2020, was described as having a genuine passion for dance and a special tribute show to her was aired on BBC 1 on Christmas Day.
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