Blackpool fever swept the nation last week as Strictly Come Dancing’s Blackpool special pulled in a series best 7.6m viewers. BDS overnights also suggest that around half of households in the North West tuned in to watch the show-stopping episode.
Strictly Come Dancing is usually filmed at Elstree Film and TV studios in Hertfordshire, but for one unforgettable week, the show’s magic is even bigger, brighter, and more glamorous, filling the Blackpool Tower Ballroom with extra sparkle and energy. Blackpool – a legendary landmark in the ballroom dance world – welcomed our celebrities and professional dancers, who were thrilled to perform on its legendary floor. With an expanded cast of professional dancers and the electric Northern atmosphere, this year’s Blackpool special was an unmissable celebration.
On Thursday night (14 Nov), the show marked Strictly’s arrival in the town, with a stunning takeover of Blackpool Tower, featuring a custom light display – celebrating two decades of Strictly. After a suspenseful countdown, the Strictly Blackpool logo was projected onto the bottom of the Tower and the rest of the building was lit up in a palette of blue, purple, and gold, perfectly timed with a passing illuminated tram set to the iconic Strictly theme tune.
On Saturday night (16 Nov), the Pet Shop Boys opened the show with a medley of some of their greatest hits, with the Strictly professional dancers joining them for a spectacular opening number. Then, on Sunday night’s Results Show, they performed their brand-new single All The Young Dudes.
Strictly first came to Blackpool in 2004, for the third episode of the series. A year later, in 2005, the final was held at the Tower Ballroom.
Blackpool Week has been a regular series highlight for viewers and contestants alike since 2009.
The BBC takes shows like Strictly Come Dancing to cities and towns outside of London to bring audiences together and better reflect, represent, and serve all parts of the UK.
