Strictly stars set for Blackpool Tower special once more

Blackpool Tower Ballroom is set to sparkle on prime time TV once more - as Strictly Come Dancing bosses confirm their annual seaside jaunt.
Strictly's stars in rehearsal at the Tower Ballroom during a previous year's special broadcast from BlackpoolStrictly's stars in rehearsal at the Tower Ballroom during a previous year's special broadcast from Blackpool
Strictly's stars in rehearsal at the Tower Ballroom during a previous year's special broadcast from Blackpool

The hit BBC show, in its 16th series, will decamp from Elstree Studios to broadcast live from the resort on Saturday, November 17.

The past week has seen the new series' contestants being revealed, with the latest addition to the cast being Blue singer and EastEnders' actor Lee Ryan announced on Loose Women this lunchtime.

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Also signing up for the sequins and glamour this year are Katie Piper, Faye Tozer, Danny John-Jules, Joe Sugg, Vick Hope, Graeme Swann, Dr Ranj Singh, Stacey Dooley, Ashley Roberts, Kate Silverton and Seann Walsh.

Tower general manager Kenny Mew said: “It’s amazing that they enjoy the Blackpool experience so much that they come back time and time again, and show the resort in such a positive light every year.”

Among the celebs taking part is YouTube star vlogger Joe Sugg, with BBC bosses aiming to appeal to a new generation of dance fans.

Joe’s already set his sights on the Tower Ballroom, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his nan who has danced there in the past.

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He is the younger brother of YouTube star Zoella (full name Zoe Sugg) and he has 5.5 million Twitter followers. His YouTube channel ThatcherJoe has 8.2 million subscribers.

Kenny added: “The show’s taken a bit of a different direction with someone like Joe Sugg, to get a different demographic watching, and that’s great for Blackpool Tower Ballroom, for Blackpool Tower and for Blackpool itself.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed he can make it to Blackpool, so we can show his nan what it’s all about.”

Strictly has been consistently coming to Blackpool’s shores for the past 10 years - baring a brief hiatus when it went to Wembley Stadium in 2012.

The ballot for audience tickets has opened online and fans can join the series’ most glittering night by visiting the website www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours.