In a thrilling throwback for fans, four of Strictly Come Dancing's most beloved finalists are set to reunite for a spectacular performance on the hallowed floor of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
A Dazzling Reunion on the Iconic Dance Floor
The special segment, airing on Sunday, 23rd November, will see Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams step back into the spotlight. They will be partnered with the show's professional dancers for what the BBC promises will be a 'dazzling performance'.
This reunion comes during a series that has seen its fair share of drama. The Sunday night instalment follows the shocking news that contestant La Voix was forced to withdraw from the competition due to an injury. Furthermore, the leaderboard remains tight, with EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal at the bottom with 33 points, just seven points behind leaders Katya Jones and Lewis Cope.
No Elimination and a Live Musical Guest
Due to the early exit of La Voix (the alter ego of Chris Dennis) and her professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkelman confirmed that Sunday's show will not feature a routine elimination.
Instead, viewers will be treated to this special group performance. Adding to the evening's entertainment, Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi will deliver a live musical performance.
The returning finalists represent some of the show's most memorable years. Jay McGuiness, the 2015 winner with Aliona Vilani, will be back in his dancing shoes. Danny Mac, who reached the final in 2016 with Oti Mabuse, also returns, as does Ashley Roberts and her partner Pasha Kovalev from the same year.
The Finalists are Buzzing to Be Back
Completing the quartet is Layton Williams, the musical theatre star who danced his way to the final in the 2023 series with Nikita Kuzmin. Layton is particularly remembered for his dramatic Paso Doble to 'Backstage Romance' from Moulin Rouge during Movie Week.
The stars have expressed their excitement about returning to the iconic venue. Ashley Roberts, 44, joked about seeing if her 'jive legs can still do their thing', adding that 'sequins always help'.
Layton Williams, 31, shared his enthusiasm, stating: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be back on THE most iconic dance floor there is. Blackpool brings back so many fab memories and it's a true honour to be invited back... Let's hope I’ve still got it, eh?!'
This series has been marked by off-screen challenges, including professional departures and injury-related withdrawals like those of Dani Dyer and Stefan Dennis. However, the focus for tonight remains firmly on the dance floor and this unique reunion of Strictly greats.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 7:15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
