The glittering Blackpool Tower Ballroom witnessed a spectacular blast from the past this Sunday as a quartet of beloved Strictly Come Dancing alumni reunited for a show-stopping opening performance.
A Dazzling Alumni Reunion
Leading the charge was actor Danny Mac, 37, who truly stole the stage. He was joined by fellow fan favourites Ashley Roberts, Layton Williams, and Jay McGuiness for a breathtaking routine that had viewers instantly buzzing. All eyes, however, were on Danny Mac, whose ripped physique was on full display as he reprised his famous Samba, a dance that originally catapulted him to fame during his 2016 stint on the show.
The collective reaction on social media platform X was swift and enthusiastic. One viewer exclaimed, 'Danny Mac has made my weekend hahah', while another passionately demanded, 'Give Danny Mac another series for goodness sake'. A particularly vivid post captured the moment perfectly: 'danny mac descending from the blackpool tower ballroom ceiling with his bedazzled shirt open, chest on show, ready to samba his way back into our hearts like it’s 2016 all over again'.
Revisiting Iconic Routines
The group's performance was a carefully crafted medley, featuring the most iconic dances from each star's time on the show. The new routine brilliantly wove together elements of Jay and Ashley's iconic Jives, Danny's famous Samba, and Layton's showstopping Quickstep, all performed alongside the show's professional dancers.
Ahead of the performance, the returning stars shared their excitement. Ashley Roberts said, 'I'm so excited and grateful to be back on the shiny floor in Blackpool again.' Danny Mac added, 'Dancing in Blackpool was an absolute highlight of my time on Strictly. To be heading back up to The Tower Ballroom once again is as thrilling as it is terrifying, but I can't wait to be reunited with all the wonderful people who make this show.'
The Week's Strictly Context
The electrifying alumni performance came amidst an unusual week for the competition. On Saturday, it was revealed that La Voix was forced to withdraw due to injury. Consequently, none of the remaining six couples faced elimination this weekend.
Taking to Instagram, La Voix shared a heartfelt statement, writing, 'I'm absolutely devastated to be withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing. This isn't the glittering exit I ever imagined... My spirit wanted to keep dancing but my foot had other ideas!' Her exit follows two other pre-show departures: former Love Island star Dani Dyer, 29, who fractured her ankle, and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, 67, who tore a calf muscle.
In the main competition, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, 30, and Katya Jones, 36, earned a perfect score of 40 for their Charleston, topping the leaderboard. The scores from both the judges and the public vote will be carried over and combined with next week's results.
