The glittering spectacle of Strictly Come Dancing's Blackpool week has finally arrived, but the 2025 special is already stirring strong emotions among the show's devoted fanbase. For one night only, the BBC favourite has traded its London studio for the iconic Tower Ballroom in the Northern seaside town, with celebrities and professional dancers vying for the judges' approval and a coveted spot in the final.
A Bittersweet Milestone for Beloved Hosts
This year's seaside special is tinged with sadness as it marks the final time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will present from the Blackpool Tower. After more than a decade at the helm, their impending departure has left viewers feeling nostalgic. Fans took to social media platform X to express their feelings, with one user writing that they were "emotional" about the hosts' last Blackpool show, hoping it would be the "biggest and best Blackpool week yet."
Viewers Demand Elimination Rule Change
The competition has already been rocked by the news that contestant La Voix has been forced to pull out of Blackpool week due to a foot injury. This development has sparked a major debate among viewers, with many demanding that BBC bosses waive the usual elimination for this round to ensure fairness. One fan argued on X that an elimination "wouldn't be fair and it would completely mess up the final," while another pointed to the precedent set when Nigel Harman withdrew in 2018.
On the dance floor, the competition remains fierce. Last week, West End star Amber Davies and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin topped the leaderboard with an impressive score of 37 for their Pasa doble. At the other end of the spectrum, Geordie Shore legend Vicky Pattison found herself in the bottom two against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and was subsequently eliminated from the competition.
Behind the Scenes in Blackpool
While viewers see the glamour, head judge Shirley Ballas revealed some of the less glamorous realities of the Blackpool move. She admitted that one of the biggest challenges is the lack of space compared to the Elstree Studios. "At Elstree Studios, I have my own room and my own shower, which I love," Shirley explained. "But at Blackpool, we have these winnebagos, and if it rains, you've got to dash from your Winnebago to the ballroom under an umbrella!" She also highlighted the logistical challenge of cramming the entire crew, cameras, and props into the historic ballroom.
The evening is set to be a glittering affair with special performances from pop royalty Steps and singer Lewis Capaldi. As the stars prepare to dance their way into the public's hearts, the combination of high-stakes competition, emotional farewells, and behind-the-scenes dramas ensures this Blackpool week will be one to remember.
