BACK IN Strictly Come Dancing
Judges Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas on Strictly’s return to Blackpool…
Saturday, 7.45pm, Sunday, 7.20pm, BBC1 Entertainment
After a few pandemic-hit years away from the world’s most famous ballroom venue, the Strictly gang head to Blackpool Tower for one week only where the remaining contestants get to perform routines on its iconic dance floor – which is much larger and extra springy! Get ready for more surprises, clips of the dancers and judges in and around the resort, plus a performance by Britain’s
Eurovision hero Sam Ryder.
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Q Strictly is back in Blackpool. Why is the place so special? A Shirley: Blackpool is the home of ballroom dancing for me. The best dancers from all over the world come to Blackpool – it’s their dream and it’s where my first event was when I was seven years old. I love everything about Blackpool – the lights, the walks along the beach, the people and the nightlife. Craig: The atmosphere is electrifying. We have around 700 people in the audience, which makes it really exciting.
Q Do you have a standout memory from Strictly’s previous Blackpool shows?
A Shirley: Ann Widdecombe with her samba in Blackpool in 2010 was just iconic. Craig: Jill Halfpenny’s jive in the final of series two, in 2004, held in
Blackpool. She was incredible – it was the first 10 I ever gave.
Q Do you wish you’d performed on Strictly as a professional dancer?
A Shirley: I’d have loved that! Dancers usually have years to prepare but the Strictly pros have a short amount of time. I have a huge appreciation of how they move their feet and their bodies on national television after a week of intense training. It’s quite something! Craig: No, never. It’s really hard work; they’re in 10 hours a day, seven days a week. I’m very lucky to still be involved with the show – and I get a frontrow seat!
Q Who would be your dream celebrity partner?
A Shirley: Donny Osmond, because he won Dancing with the Stars in America. It would be fabulous to have a dance with Donny. Or Tom Cruise, who I taught.
Craig: Dame Judi Dench. She’s got a great sense of humour and we’d have fun. Q What does it take to win Strictly? A Shirley: It takes a certain amount of quality and a huge entertainment factor. Somebody who’s willing to put in a bit of extra time.
It’s good to have fun but you’ll see the celebrities’ competitive spirit really kick in!