Strictly Come Dancing fans are in for an unprecedented treat this weekend as four of the show's most beloved finalists make a spectacular return to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The special performance comes after a dramatic turn of events that saw the weekly elimination cancelled entirely.
All-Star Finalists Reunite for Blackpool Special
Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Layton Williams and Jay McGuiness will join forces for a breathtaking group routine during Sunday's results show. Each dancer will revisit their most memorable Strictly moments before combining for a dazzling finale in the lavish ballroom setting that holds special significance for all four performers.
The extraordinary comeback was announced following Saturday's shocking revelation that drag star La Voix had been forced to withdraw from the competition due to injury. In an unprecedented move, producers confirmed that none of the remaining six couples would face elimination this week, with all scores carrying over to next Sunday's show.
Iconic Routines Get Blackpool Revival
Each returning finalist will recreate their most celebrated dance numbers with professional partners. Jay McGuiness, who claimed the Glitterball Trophy in 2015, will reunite with Jowita Przystal to perform his Pulp Fiction-inspired Jive that originally won over both judges and viewers.
Danny Mac, the 2016 finalist, will bring back his famous Samba, while Ashley Roberts revisits the Jive that earned her a perfect score during her 2018 Blackpool appearance. Most recent finalist Layton Williams will reconnect with Nikita Kuzmin for a reprisal of their showstopping Quickstep.
All four celebrities previously danced in Blackpool during their original Strictly journeys, making this return particularly meaningful. The routine will incorporate elements from each of their signature dances before culminating in a joint celebration.
Emotional Reactions to Blackpool Return
The returning stars expressed their excitement about returning to the famous dancefloor. Ashley Roberts shared: "I'm so excited and grateful to be back on the shiny floor in Blackpool again. Nearly a decade later, let's see if these jive legs can still do their thing! Sequins always help, I'm sure."
Danny Mac reflected on the significance of the venue: "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."
Jay McGuiness expressed his gratitude: "I feel extremely lucky to be part of the Strictly alumni that are going to shake our booties again. I'm ready to have some fun with the old gang and the new gang."
Layton Williams captured the excitement of many: "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?!"
La Voix's Heartbreaking Exit
The special performance follows the emotional departure of La Voix, who was spotted in the audience looking forlorn as her withdrawal was announced. The drag queen shared her devastation on Instagram shortly after the announcement.
"I'm absolutely devastated to be withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing," she wrote. "This isn't the glittering exit I ever imagined, and it breaks my heart to feel like I've let people down. My spirit wanted to keep dancing but my foot had other ideas!"
She expressed gratitude to her supporters: "Thank you for every cheer, every vote and every sparkle of support – it's meant the world to me. This isn't the ending I imagined but I'll cherish this forever."
Blackpool Week Delivers Stunning Performances
Saturday's Blackpool special saw exceptional performances from the remaining contestants. Lewis Cope and Katya Jones earned their second perfect score of the series with an astounding Charleston that left judges and audience members breathless.
Balvinder Sopal achieved her highest score yet with a racy Argentine Tango, while Karen Carney received a standing ovation for her dramatic Paso Doble. The evening closed with George Clarke's energetic salsa, which earned him an impressive 39 points.
The cancellation of this week's elimination means all six remaining couples will continue their Strictly journey, with viewers treated to the extraordinary bonus of seeing four beloved finalists return to the dancefloor that made them famous.
