Strictly Come Dancing’s lavish Blackpool set has undergone a major revamp, head judge Shirley Ballas has revealed.
It was confirmed earlier this year that the hit BBC show would be returning to the resort’s Tower Ballroom after a two-year break.
The annual trip didn’t go ahead in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but the cast of 2022 will make their mark on the iconic dancefloor this weekend.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas reveals ageless beauty secrets
Blackpool Tower Ballroom, which dates back to 1894, underwent a £1.1m refurbishment during the coronavirus lockdown and reopened in June 2021.
(Image: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
An extensive restoration of its dancefloor, which saw more than 100 years’ worth of lacquer stripped back and 30,000 individual blocks of oak, mahogany and walnut, sanded and resealed, was completed in January.
Speaking to Daily Star at the TV Choice Awards about returning to Blackpool, Shirley said: “Very excited to return to Blackpool.
“It’s had some touch ups., the floor has been repaired and it’s all fit and ready.
“We are absolutely beside ourselves that we’re going this week.
(Image: BBC)
Blackpool has been the venue for a number of memorable Strictly moments across the years.
Fans will no doubt remember politician Ed Balls being lowered from the ceiling playing a piano before performing the Jive with partner Katya Jones and actress Kara Tointon’s stunning American Smooth with partner Artem Chigvintsev.
Host Tess Daly shared some news with viewers during the latest episode of Strictly.
(Image: Getty Images)
She said:”We will be back next Saturday, live from the Blackpool Tower ballroom, at the later time of 7.45.”
The reason for Strictly Come Dancing being on later looks like being down to the final of the Rugby League World Cup being on BBC One, with its 4pm kick off time, pushing other shows like the News and The Wheel back.
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Reacting to Tess’ statement, one recent Strictly convert tweeted: “I only started watching #Strictly in 2020 so I’ve never seen a Blackpool Special and I don’t really understand the importance of the Tower Ballroom, but I just find it so funny how they all go on about Blackpool like it’s heaven on earth. It’s brilliant.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
