Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Strictly star reveals Blackpool jibes
ently... they’re like the squatter camps.” In South Africa, this term refers to a shanty town where people live in abject poverty. The comments have sparked a backlash.
Virginia Moseley, of award-winning fish and chip shop The Cottage, said: “It’s a great town. People from all ages come to Blackpool and they all love it. It’s got all the attractions, the Pleasure Beach and the Illuminations.”
Karl Myhill, of Tiffany’s Hotel, said: “I am shocked at the comments.
“Blackpool is a fabulous traditional seaside resort. And with over 18 million visitors planned for this year it just goes to show there are lots of
They’ve got the wrong impression of Blackpool. The dancers haven’t asked the right people to show them around.
If you go to any seaside resort at the weekend, anywhere in the country, you’re not going to get a great impression.
The Tower Ballroom is right on the promenade and they’re here on a Saturday night, so it’s going to be rowdy.
There’s nothing worse than going out people who don’t share [these] views.” Despite being a legendary holiday destination, unemployment is a concern in the Lancashire town even during the tourism season.
The jobless figure has been above the national average in recent years.
Strictly will be broadcast from the Blackpool ballroom in November.
Johannes added that despite his fellow dancers’ comments they all enjoy painting the town red.
He said: “They told me everybody looks forward to Blackpool because it’s so cold but you have the best night.”
There have been two police incidents during the Blackpool stage of Strictly in
RESPONDS TO INSULTING REMARKS
late and walking into drunk people. It’s like any town centre. I say to them, come to our beautiful Stanley Park, which this year has been voted the best park in the UK.
It’s got a lovely art deco cafe in there, in a listed building, there’s a boating lake, miniature golf, a massive playground for recent years. Spanish dancer Gorka Marquez lost two teeth in an alleged attack after the recording of the show in 2016, but detectives dropped the probe.
And thieves stole valuables from the stars’ dressing rooms in 2013.
After being told of Johannes’ comments, a BBC spokesman said: “Visiting Blackpool is the absolute highlight of the Strictly calendar.
“Blackpool welcomes us with open arms and we are honoured to bring two of our most popular shows from the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom.”
Last night Johannes issued a grovelling apology.
He said: “I’m so sorry for any offence I may have caused to the people of Blackpool. I’m so honoured to be able to dance in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom this year.”
Johannes, 31, who moved to Britain this summer, has not been paired with a celebrity for his first series.