Strictly star: Blackpool like a squatter camp
Fury at pro dancers’ slur on fave resort that hosts live show
A STRICTLY star says fellow dancers joke Blackpool is like a “squatter camp”.
Johannes Radebe’s remark has sparked fury in the town.
PERFORMING at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is one of the highlights for the contestants in each series of Strictly Come Dancing.
But one of the new professionals on the BBC show has revealed that some of the other dancers have likened the resort to a shanty town and warned him: “You shouldn’t expect much.”
South African star Johannes Radebe has never been but knows of the town because of the Blackpool Dance Festival.
He said: “Growing up, for me there’s always been the Blackpool championship... and when you look at Blackpool from the inside, it’s majestic.
“And you would think it would be in a very posh area as it hosts one of the biggest events in the dancing calendar.”
Laughing at the dance troupe’s jokes about the town, he added: “And appar- 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 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 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.
I’m shocked by these comments. Blackpool is a fabulous resort HOTEL BOSS RESPONDS TO INSULTING REMARKS