Strictly Come Dancing contestant Lauren Oakley is gearing up for the highly anticipated show at Blackpool this weekend. The 33-year-old professional dancer is set to make her debut at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, known for its bouncy floor and rich history in ballroom dancing. Oakley stepped in to partner JLS singer JB Gill after fellow dancer Amy Dowden had to withdraw from the competition.
This Saturday’s live show will see Oakley and Gill perform a quickstep to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” while Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec will showcase a pasodoble to Nathan Lanier’s “Torn.” Oakley expressed her excitement about performing at such a prestigious venue, highlighting the intense adrenaline and nostalgia the Blackpool Ballroom invokes. She mentioned the added thrill of it being the 20th year of Strictly, acknowledging the pressure but emphasizing the importance of enjoying the experience.
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, partnered with Katya Jones, will wow the audience with a Charleston routine to Georges Bizet’s “Carmen Suite No 1: 5 Les Toreadors.” Evans shared his emotional connection to Blackpool, reminiscing about visiting the town with his late parents during his childhood. Reality star Pete Wicks, Olympian Montell Douglas, and actress Sarah Hadland are among the other contestants set to dazzle the judges with their performances.
The Blackpool special will also feature a performance by Pet Shop Boys, who will kick off the show with a medley of hits before presenting their latest single, a cover of Mott The Hoople’s “All The Young Dudes.” The professional dancers will showcase an Argentine tango performance set in a 1940s hotel. The show promises to be a spectacular event, with viewers eagerly anticipating the dazzling routines and surprises in store.
Strictly Come Dancing: Blackpool Special is scheduled to air on Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One and iPlayer, with the results show following on Sunday at 7.20pm. The episode will mark a milestone in Oakley’s career as she takes the stage at the historic Blackpool venue for the first time. With a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and impressive dance routines, the Blackpool special is sure to captivate audiences and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
As the countdown to the Blackpool show begins, viewers can expect a night filled with extraordinary performances, heartfelt moments, and perhaps a surprise or two along the way. Stay tuned for an unforgettable evening of dance, music, and entertainment as the Strictly Come Dancing stars light up the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom with their talent and passion.