Strictly Come Dancing: Blackpool special – live

8.41pm GMT One tiny complaint from me about tonight’s show. I guess because of the lack of a balcony for the Clauditorium and the more echoey space, the prop-moving between routines was often quite loud on the audio. Several post-dance interviews were interrupted by bangs, grunts and screeches. I’ll write to Points Of View (is that still a thing?). 8.39pm GMT Finally, davewatcher says: “Can’t wait to see Jay’s Pulp Fiction jive again! I met him on a train a couple of years ago and had a lovely chat with him about Strictly. Very humble guy, especially as this was in second class too!” 8.38pm GMT On George Clarke’s show-closing salsa, VelvetinaB says: “That was great from George. He really is very good at partnering. It seems to come very naturally to him. Very rhythmic and fitted in well with the professional dancers.” LekisP says: “Ok, I know it’s petty but why are their costumes not matching? A bit too much of Alexis dancing round George, to be honest, but a good dance.” jagadox says: “George actually looks like he was enjoying that and getting totally into the spirit. Best he’s done so far because of that. I reckon.” TheMathDiva says: “A lot of very loud leaping around from George. He just hasn’t had a journey, has he?” YodaknowsAll says: “That salsa was George’s best dance by a country mile. Great hips and lifts and Alexis let him shine. Good stuff.” Audreyshandbag adds: “Oh no! It’s all about her again. He’s good but doesn’t get a proper chance to show us.” Updated at 8.43pm GMT 8.36pm GMT On Alex Kingston and Jojo’s Couple’s Choice, Poppieshen says: “I’m loving the colour of Alex dress but that routine felt a little underwhelming to me. Johannes was magnificent but Alex seemed a bit disjointed and didn’t flow.” MikeMoonlight says: “Alex: ‘I don’t like the VT’s, they put me off.’ I think she’s just won the vote of the entire nation.” diamondcat says: “Alex is so fearless. She’s not the greatest dancer but my goodness, when she’s on stage, it’s a party!” YodaknowsAll says: “Alex started off very tentatively in that CC. She did pick it up by the end, but I felt that it needed a little more oomph.” Gardener_Maidhc says: “What combo of ageless genes and voodoo is Alex employing? Truly looks the same as ever. joanieloves says: “More posing than dancing? Glad there’s no dance-off because as much as I love Alex, that wasn’t my favourite dance of hers.” ReclinedPotato adds: “Alex’s VT made me quite emotional. Who doesn’t want a navy blue Aga in their converted barn?” Updated at 8.53pm GMT 8.33pm GMT On Karen Carney’s paso doble, Ginsinger says: “Wow! A whole fantasy epic story in 90 seconds!” fihema says: “I’m going to have to rewatch that paso doble from Karen and Carlos again and again. It was hypnotising. I used to dislike Carlos. When he started he was too keen to show his own skills and leave the celeb to keep up, but what a change! Amazing from both.” YodaknowsAll says: “What a dance from Karen. She could have had more flamenco in her hands and arms, and her back could have had more arch (probably due to her medical issues). The intensity however, was off the scale.” TheMathDiva adds: “Karen’s paso was very dramatic with a positively demonic beginning. I didn’t detect a lot of dance in it. though. Mostly drama and posing. I thought.” Updated at 8.52pm GMT 8.31pm GMT On Amber Davies’ quickstep, MartGray says: “I did enjoy Amber de Milo, that was very West End. And Nikita suits the Buttons look.” VelvetinaB says: “Not sure what the sea theme is doing there, but it’s so nice to be able to see what they are doing! I’m not her hugest fan but Amber did well there. Light and frothy and fun.” emilyscatnaps adds: “Jeez, a Nanna klaxon wasted! Nobody’s going! Nanna had to freeze on the open-topped bus in the Blackpool Arctic for nothing!” Updated at 8.51pm GMT 8.30pm GMT Phoebe says: “I loved that from Balvinder and Julian. Those lifts were amazing and Balvinder looked as if she was enjoying herself, which is not always the case. How could she not with the adorable Julian?” G1adys says: “‘A little too posed, placed and walky around for me’? Dear Michael, that sounds like a real AT to me. Not the excessive leg flicking that we usually get to see - actually had proper AT steps.” TallulahBankhead says: “Balvinder looks good in the blue dress and she performed pretty well in such a difficult dance but it should have been a bit cleaner. It tended to be a bit lumpy and even fearful in one or two moments (eg when he threw her up in the air - which was a brave move).” fihema says: “This choreography for Bal feels odd. She’s dancing well, but that lull near the beginning felt like waiting for a bus in the rain. It felt like a musical theatre number to me. She acted it well but did the music fit the dance style?” TiggyStardust adds: “I wish we hadn’t had a close up on Balvinder counting so obviously. That was a patchwork tango for me - some really good moments and choreo, but it got a bit lumpen sadly.” Updated at 8.52pm GMT 8.27pm GMT On Lewis Cope’s Charleston, Belette says: “Oh I liked that! Becoming a real fan of Katya. Her choreography is always spot-on and she is such a strong dancer. And she’s got someone who can do that justice. Well done, Lewis. Great opener.” Somersetlass says: “Fast, frenetic and such fun. What an opener from Lewis and Katya! The synchronisation was spot-on and they looked as if they were having the time of their lives.” Heartticker says: “Lewis is just amazing. I thought it would be hard to beat Danny Mac’s Charleston in Blackpool but I think that just topped it.” MartGray says: “Wow, Lewis and Katya and those rather strong extra dancers, that has to be one of the best Blackpool routines ever. The kicks, the flips, the liquid legs… tens!” yorkshirecoast adds: “Next year just cut out the middle man and recruit the entire cast from Emmerdale.” Updated at 8.45pm GMT 8.25pm GMT Haigin88 says: “Brilliant news on no dance-off! The faithful, quality dancers were losing out, de facto, due to injuries harming lesser dancers. Excellent decision-making by the BBC. Lovely to see the dancers going apeshit with joy there.” KarimaKat says: “Lovely Bal crying with relief. Sad she feels it’s going to be her at the bottom every time. She’s really quite good. Go girl!” MikeMoonlight adds: “No one is leaving Strictly this week. You are all safe...” Somewhere, Vicky Pattison is currently throwing a bottle of Newcastle brown ale at the TV. The bad news is that tomorrow’s results show is now requiring so much filler that Anton has offered to perform his 2017 album From The Top in it’s entirety.” Updated at 8.48pm GMT 8.23pm GMT Readers’ verdicts are in Time for a grab bag of your Blackpool feedback. MartGray says: “Poor La Voix but from an Instagram message the other day. it sounded as if he risked breaking something and being out of action for eight weeks if it got worse.” ReclinedPotato adds: “Gutted about La Voix. She’s been so entertaining. I can only wish her well. I hope she finds her way Up North with her show one day. I’ll be there!” Updated at 8.47pm GMT 8.21pm GMT How are we feeling about no dance-off? It sort of drained proceedings of jeopardy but did create a celebratory, end-of-term atmosphere. 8.15pm GMT It's the Golden Glitterballs: Pleasure Beach Edition A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without some entirely theoretical awards. Here are this week’s liveblog gong-getters… Best dance: Lewis Cope’s Charleston and Karen Carney’s paso doble were both numbers for the ages. Worst dance: For me, Alex Kingston was disappointing. I know, I know. Best music choice: O Fortuna was impressive from Dave Arch andhis Latin-singing combo. The big band Arctic Monkeys was also fun. Worst music choice: Supertramp didn’t suit the Argentine tango and the Geri/Shirley mash-up didn’t work. Best outfit: Amber’s gold frock and Alex’s green one. Worst outfit: George and Alexis seemed to be dressed for different routines. Best VT: Alex Kingston, both for emotion and nice kitchen. Also Carlos asking the fortune teller “Will my costume look fabulous?”. Worst VT: Amber playing the nan card. Also, one presumes that George’s self-filmed one was an attempt to be all modern and content creator-y but it just looked like the camera crew had phoned in sick. Best judges’ comment: Craig telling Amber she “flew around the floor faster than a seagull swooping for a chip”. By contrast, Anton kept making noises and saying wow. Best Claudia quip: Not knowing what a cummerbund is and asking Tess “Shall we get Blackpool tattoos? Good girl.” Updated at 8.20pm GMT 8.10pm GMT In other self-indulgent plugging news, my debut novel The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency is available on ebook for a wag-ulous reduced price of 99p for one more week only. It’s also out in paperback and audiobook, if you’re so inclined. Right, I’ll shut up about that now and get back to the dancing. 8.10pm GMT Serpents (and my silly face) on telly tonight TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, flip to BBC Two for Kim Wilde At The BBC or head to ITV1 for The 1% Club. At 9.05pm, there’s Wild Cherry on BBC One or I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! on ITV1. At 10.05pm, star-studded historical drama The Serpent Queen arrives on Channel 4 or there’s The Most Embarrassing TV Moments on Channel 5 - which might just feature a certain Strictly liveblogger as a talking head. I can only apologise in advance. If you’re in a filmic frame of mind, tonight’s top picks are Nobody (9pm on Film4), The Bourne Ultimatum (9pm on 5Star), Nights of Cabiria (9.05pm on Talking Pictures) or The Holiday (9.05pm on BBC3). You’re supposed to be the leading lady in your own life, for God’s sake! 8.09pm GMT Blackpool leaderboard in full Lewis Cope tops the seaside standings, with George Clarke and Karen Carney tied in second spot. Balvinder Sopal is way down at the bottom, with Alex Kingston just above and Amber Davies in mid-table. No dance-off but it will all get carried over to next week, as will the public vote. Updated at 8.55pm GMT 8.07pm GMT Credits roll Tess and Claud tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!” with one eye already on their traditional post-show Blackpool night out. Now even larger due to no dance-off, one hopes. As everyone folds up their windbreaks and shakes out their sandy towels, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments. 8.07pm GMT The casting vote goes to… Nobody! There’s no dance-off! Have we mentioned that? 8.04pm GMT Tonight’s super six routines get rewound on-screen. Which seaside superstars will get your vote? Which dancing donkeys definitely won’t? 8.04pm GMT And the vote is… open! Online-only, of course. Phonelines are sooooo last century. The usual mayhem kicks off with a fancy-dressed Blackpool twist. 8.03pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Overmarked but joint second. Updated at 8.57pm GMT 8.01pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “wow, wow, this is how you shut down Blackpool”. Shirley says “a new day, a new George with a fantastic vibe, loved you being front and centre on your own, best dance so far, a humble warrior and you want to make that final, I feel it”. Anton says “so good, gave it the salsa face, a magical Blackpool, not sure I’ve experience a better one”. Craig concludes “your salsa base was a little bit wide but hips were swinging, incredible lifts, loved the armography, you’re a true star”. Nine and a 10 or three? 7.58pm GMT George and Alexis’ salsa Closing the show in a big contrasting mood to last week’s emotive rumba from YouTuber George Clarke and his pro partner Alexis Warr. Getting his hips out for a party salsa. Fairground-ography and slightly 90s boyband moves to start. Embracing the flavour and the fun. Feeding off the energy of the club anthem, the extra dancers and the Tower Ballroom crowd. Lacking a little Cuban spice and flirty connection, maybe, but fast and rhythmic. More streetdance than salsa but lifts, tricks and entertainment. Dave Arch seems to have drafted in Fatman Scoop on vocals. Song: Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now) by Bob Sinclar. The French DJ and producer’s 2006 hit samples the 90s club classic by C+C Music Factory. Jump to the rhythm, jump, jump to the rhythm, jump! Updated at 8.56pm GMT 7.53pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9,9 for a total of 35 points. Second from bottom as it stands but hey – no dance-off! 7.51pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “celebrated life for sure, elegant and expressive, flicks and kicks and sassy feeling, enjoyed it immensely”. Anton says “right up my street, stylish, sophisticated and so you”. Craig says “little stop moments could have had more definition, timing got out and an awkward underarm turn but I love the sultry temptress story and held your own completely, pure theatre, darling”. Motsi concludes “slick, tight, sensational, the right dance for you”. Nines ahoy? 7.48pm GMT Alex and Jojo’s Couple’s Choice Couple’s Choices have taken the top spot on the scoreboard for the past three years at Blackpool. Can Alex Kingston match Lewis’ 40 and make it four in a row? It’s also her pro partner Johannes Radebe’s fourth Blackpool performance in a row, matching Oti Mabuse but still two behind record-holder Kevin Clifton. They’ve been working with choreographer Matt Flint on this theatre-jazz number. Playing to Alex’s strength with plenty of character and solo work. She’s playing a big showbiz diva, which is always fun. So is Jojo in vest-and-evening gloves. Fast, precise and nailing the side-by-side synchronisation. Jazz-hands and Broadway flourishes. Musical medley making it a bit stop-start, maybe, but a proper production with lifts, sparks flying and her name in lights. Song: History Repeating/Look At Me by Propellerheads feat Miss Shirley Bassey/Geri Halliwell. A mash-up of the 1997 jazz-flavoured big beat hit and Ginger Spice’s debut solo single, which took inspiration from it two years later. 7.42pm GMT Jay McGuiness and Layton Williams are also back. Joined in the audience by Diane from Traitors, I note. She’s not watching at home… But Ross is. 7.41pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Don’t go changing, Craig. A point behind Lewis. 7.38pm GMT Judges’ comments: Craig says “that’s how you score a goal, that was insane, sharp and exciting, I would’ve liked a little more softened Spanish line but dramatic, passionate, incredible”. Motsi says “I do not have a paddle to express how good that was”. Shirley says “Carlos, you’ve got me emotional, that choreography was of the highest quality, never seen a paso like it, you nailed everything like a top-class professional, epic and will go down in history”. Anton concludes “an absolute tour de force, I’d like to give you 25 for that, you will never dance better”. I smell more 10s but will Craig poop the party with a nine? 7.34pm GMT Karen and Carlos’ paso doble Former Lioness Karen Carney is only the second ever footballer to reach Blackpool, after her former teammate Alex Scott. She’s used to playing on big stages to big crowds from her playing career. Extra dancers must make this feel like a team sport too. Floor spin to start, like Ann Widdecombe but, youy know, good. Drama and passion as she plays a fortune teller and captures the paso’s fierce character with pro partner Carlos Gu. Swishy skirt. Flamenco posture and Spanish curve. Full of attitude with strong walks, aggressive stamps ad skirt-swishing. Dramatic as hell. Fierce and fabulous. Vamos! Song: O Fortuna by Carmina Burana. The movement from composer Carl Orff’s 1935 cantana is often used in adverts (Old Spice ahoy), TV soundtracks (hola, X Factor) and pop samples. It’s been called “the most overused piece of music in film history”. On Strictly, it was used for Richard Arnold’s paso and Katie Derham’s showdance with Anton. He might well mention this. 7.29pm GMT Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. 7.26pm GMT Judges’ comments: Shirley says “Hollywood in Blackpool, beautiful footwork, I’m exhausted just watching, creative choreography was a sight to be seen but work on the upper half and get that gap closed”. Anton says “you covered the floor and put all the steps in, amazing, head not in correct position but gorgeous”. Craig says “a lot of gapping but flew around faster than a seagull swooping for a chip, great timing, exceptional performer”. Motsi concludes “worked hard on that stretch, light, fluid, loved it”. Nines ahoy? Updated at 7.32pm GMT 7.23pm GMT Amber and Nikita’s quickstep Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin topped last week’s leaderboard but still haven’t scored a 10 from Craig or Shirley. Can she tempt out their maximum paddles tonight? This could be the right number to do it. Quicksteps have scored 24 perfect 10s at Blackpool, the most of any dance style. Scallop-ography to start, then taking advantage of that big bouncy floor by flying across the huge space. Her left shoulder has been criticised in previous ballroom numbers, so Amber needs to keep it down. A feelgood song about friendship and cheesy smiles to match. Fast, frothy, energetic and light on her feet. Admirable stamina. Some gapping and topline wobbles but bags of slick showbizzy fun. Streamers fall. Song: Reach by S Club 7. This 2000 bubblegum pop hit was co-written by Cathy Dennis and Republica keyboardist Andrew “Toddy” Todd. 7.19pm GMT Ashley Roberts and Danny Mac are on the front row. You’ll see them as part of tomorrow’s group dance. Danny is very Zoolander-does-Blue Steel, isn’t he? Bless that really, really ridiculously good-looking man. 7.18pm GMT Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. She’d be in dance-off danger if there was a dance-off. But just a reminder that score and viewer votes will be carried over to next week. 7.15pm GMT Judges’ comments: Anton says “right on form, loved the intensity and characterisation, slightly detached from Jules, played hard to get and held your own, strong performance, one of your best dances”. Craig says “wanted smoother weight changes and transitions but footwork nice and the style suits you”. Motsi says “you’re the comeback queen, fight back stronger, very clear and defined, loved that, just watch for the tiny details”. Shirley concludes “I could feel your desire, reacted well to other dances, point your toes and polish the extremes but moody, atmospheric, good work”. Eights and nines, do we think? 7.11pm GMT Balvinder and Julian’s Argentine tango EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal is bookies’ favourite for elimination yet again but has shown plenty of fighting spirit to survive four dance-offs. She’s been excited both about reaching Blackpool and performing an Argentine tango, the dance she wanted to do all along. It’s her Australian pro partner Julian Caillon’s first time in Blackpool too. Brolly-ography. Close hold, drama and intensity. Trying to create an intimate moment in the Tower Ballroom’s big space with a dark set and black-and-midnight blue costumes. Lacking a little passionate chemistry, perhaps, and Balvinder is visibly counting but precise, powerful, clean and committed, with intricate footwork and staccato moments. Hesitant in the lifts. A little too posed, placed and walky-aroundy for me. Song: The Logical Song by Supertramp. The prog-meets-pop band’s biggest hit, frontman Roger Hodgson based this 1979 single’s lyrics on his childhood experiences of being sent away to boarding school and won an Ivor Novello Award. German techno band Scooter covered it in 2001. 7.08pm GMT Tess gets a lift from the extra dancers. She really has relaxed and seemed to enjoy herself more since announcing her departure, which has been lovely to see. 7.06pm GMT Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Only the fifth perfect score in Blackpool, apart from grand finals. 7.04pm GMT Judges’ comments: Motsi says “insane energy, everything in place, even accelerated at the end, the roof is off”. Shirley says “a Blackpool extravaganza, synchronicity and quality takes hours of work, extraordinary”. Anton says “unbelievable, I wonder if you can sing, speechless, breathtaking”. Craig concludes “one word, beginning with F, fab-u-lous!”. Is Katya about to get her first Blackpool 10s? 7.00pm GMT Lewis and Katya’s Charleston Actor Lewis Cope goes from Hartlepool to Blackpool. He and pro partner Katya Jones stripped things back for their tango last week. Now it’s time to let loose with bags of energy and big moves to match. Both in matching pale pink tailoring. All a bit Jim Carrey in The Mask. Leaps off a pool table. Fun, upbeat and full of bounce. Human windmill. Cartwheel. Lots of flicks, kicks, lifts and shaking of hips. Bags of character and plenty of ankle swivel. Katya was eliminated here last year with Wynne Jones and has never scored a 10 in Blackpool. I suspect that could be about to change. Song: I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor by Arctic Monkeys. A big band version of the Sheffield indie rocker band’s 2005 breakthrough hit. Its only previous Strictly appearance was for Joe Sugg’s showdance in the 2018 final. It scored 39 points. An omen? 6.57pm GMT Nobody will leave Strictly this weekend Well, there we are. They managed to keep that secret. Celebrations and jubilations. No dance-off tomorrow, so they can just enjoy the occasion. However, their scores will be carried over to next week, so it’s not entirely academic tonight. It’ll make filling out a 45-minute results show “interesting”, though. 6.56pm GMT Our Strictly stars™ Our six pro-celebrity pairs emerge for a wave and to sample the Tower Ballroom atmosphere. Not much fancy dress but Nikita’s got his shirt on for a change. They all look a bit nervous and over-awed. 6.55pm GMT La Voix withdraws from the competition She’s not only missing tonight with a foot injury but has been forced to leave the contest altogether. Shame. What will that mean for the elimination, I wonder? Will we get a week without anyone leaving? Or a two-way final? 6.54pm GMT Judges join us Fresh from that group dance, the paddle-raising panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke take their floorside seats. Will their 10 paddles make many appearances tonight? Shirley’s slipped into a medieval frock. Very Game Of Thrones. Tess and Claud join them for some Livin’ La Vida Loca moves. Love to see it. 6.52pm GMT Frockwatch Here come our Tower Ballroom hosts, so time for a seaside edition of our usual sartorial smackdown. Tess Daly is full-length white sparkles, complete with cape. Claudia Winkleman in long-sleeved red. Tess wins. 6.51pm GMT The celebrities come out now too, also fully sequin-spangled. So many people on that dancefloor, it must be a Health & Safety issue. 6.50pm GMT Sequins. Kylie covers. This is camper than Christmas in a tent shop. 6.49pm GMT The judges join in. Shirley and Motsi both in glittery gowns. Anton and Craig in white tuxedos. With the celebrities, professionals, extra dancers and the four judges, there’s a whopping 47 people on the dancefloor. 6.48pm GMT Tragedy! 5,6,7,8! Stomp! Deeper Shade Of Blue! One for Sorrow! Scared of the Dark! Chain Reaction! Steps appear to have got younger, eerily. Aussie pro Dianne Buswell is looking quite heavily pregnant now, bless her. 6.47pm GMT Steps open the show We kick off with a spectacular group number, soundtracked by 90s pop five-piece Steps performing a medley of their biggest hits - all of which feature in their new jukebox musical Here & Now. 6.46pm GMT Cue clapalong credits Nine of these couples didn’t get to make the coach trip up the M6. Wonder if any of them will be on the front row of the audience instead? 6.45pm GMT Aaaand we’re off to the seaside! Cue Blackpool-themed montage as the celebrities use the B-word a lot. And the show hasn’t even properly begun yet. 6.43pm GMT Sip a garish hen party cocktail and plonk a sparkly Stetson on your head. We’re about to be go live to Blackpool Tower Ballroom… 6.41pm GMT Alan Carr’s Numberwang just winding up on BBC1. Listen very carefully and you might be able to hear Celia Imrie let out a nervous fart. Mere minutes to wait now… 6.39pm GMT High seaside scores expected Couples tend to pull out all the stops and the sea air invariably goes to the judges’ heads, meaning the average score at Blackpool is a whopping 33 points. Outside of the final, which has previously been held here, there have been four perfect 40s awarded in the Tower Ballroom. Will we see another tonight? It’s just five minutes until we find out… 6.37pm GMT Lancs Vegas hoofing highlights What are your all-time favourite Strictly moments from Blackpool? Ones that spring to my mind include Jill Halfpenny’s jive, Susanna Reid’s paso doble, Kelvin Fletcher’s Jailhouse Rock jive, Simon Webbe’s Argentine tango, Great Ed Balls of Fire and Anton using a canary-coloured Ann Widdecombe to mop the floor. Let us know yours in the comments. Can you smell the fish, chips and doughnuts yet? 6.35pm GMT Who might bow out in Blackpool? After her narrow dance-off escape last week and in the absence of La Voix, bookies’ odds-on favourite for the Blackpool boot is Balvinder Sopal. If she’s in the bottom two for the fifth time, it will match the unwelcome Strictly record currently held by Jamelia. But with the pressure on for the big occasion, will things go according to the form book? Can plucky Bal pull off a great escape again? Ten minutes until the glittery curtain comes up… 6.30pm GMT Blackpool leaderboard is rarely a glitterball omen A quirk of the stats: past Strictly form tells us that whoever tops the Blackpool scores usually doesn’t go on to lift the glitterball. Kelvin Fletcher and Ellie Leach both finished joint top and went on to win but they’re the only ones in the last 12 years. Last year, Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri shared top spot, going on to become beaten finalists. We’re into the contest’s climactic four weeks after this weekend, so the final is in sight and the stakes are increasingly high. It’s 15 minutes until the clock strikes Strictly… 6.27pm GMT Dabbers out for Strictly Bingo: Blackpool Edition Cross off the coastal occurrences as they happen! Take a drink for each! End up in a dodgy seafront disco wearing a feather boa! Here’s your 10-point seaside spotter’s checklist: Audience says “Aww!” when Tess and Claud announce La Voix’s absence with injury Audience says “Aww!” when Tess and Claud refer to this being their last trip to the Tower Ballroom When musical guest Steps perform, there are two members you don’t recognise and can’t name Hosts/judges make knowing in-joke about the cast and crew hitting the town post-show Judges join in group dance, including a run of spins from Shirley/Craig, dad-dancing from Anton and Latin wiggles from Motsi VT includes a couple screaming on a rollercoaster/scoffing chips/playing in amusement arcades Cute/creepy snap of a Strictly pro in Blackpool as a child dance prodigy with bad hair and rictus grin A bouncy routine is said to “take full advantage of the sprung floor” Visual gag involving a seagull or donkey Anton makes misty-eyed reference to Blackpool dances of yore with two left-footed partners 6.25pm GMT We do like to dance beside the seaside We’ll all hear the B-word a lot tonight, so what makes the Tower Ballroom so special? Well, the spiritual home of ballroom dancing dates back to 1894 and positively oozes with hoofing history. As the home of Strictly’s parent show, Come Dancing, and host to professional competitions, it means a lot to the pros and judges. The room itself is full of ornate Victorian splendour. Crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling, with atmospheric tiered balconies and intricate carved panelling. That famed sprung, bouncy dancefloor is several times bigger than the familiar Elstree ballroom, hence the use of backing dancers, props and production tricks to help fill the cavernous space. The 600-strong audience, twice as big as the usual capacity, further enhances the atmosphere. It’s a Strictly landmark weekend which always adds extra glamour. Who will rise to the occasion in these grand surroundings? We’ll get our first clues in 20 minutes… 6.20pm GMT Little Miss Moffatt sat in the ballroom In much less grim news, Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt was unveiled yesterday the first celebrity taking part in this year’s Christmas Special. She will be paired with Strictly pro Vito Coppola. The next of the six participating celebs will be announced on Monday. It’s 25 minutes until the sparkly curtain comes up… 6.18pm GMT Another blow for controversy-plagued franchise Elsewhere in Strictly news this week, the rocky time for the show continued. On Thursday, it emerged that an unnamed “Strictly star” was arrested last month on suspicion of rape. Hertfordshire Police confirmed that the man had been released on bail under investigation. The man is alleged to have raped a woman “after a BBC event” but it’s been reported that the victim wasn’t a contestant or professional dancer on the show, but had met the man due to his participation in the competition. The development is not understood to be related to the current series. 6.17pm GMT La Voix laid up with crocked foot It was announced on Tuesday that La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec won’t be performing tonight due to the drag queen’s foot injury. She has been advised by doctors to rest and under Strictly rules, will get a pass through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. A shame because tonught was going to be something of a homecoming for La Voix, who began her drag career here. We wish her a speedy recovery. With only six competing couples tonight, the running time has been trimmed by 10 minutes. Half an hour until the Blackpool glitterball starts spinning… 6.12pm GMT Who will deliver a Blackpool towering performance? It’s time to illuminate an illustrious dancefloor. Good evening and welcome to the ninth live weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your seaside sidekick for tonight’s live show. You are cordially invited to watch along with me as our pro-celebrity pairs make their dance debuts on the Tower Ballroom’s fabled floor. Yes, its one of the biggest nights in the Strictly calendar and anticipation is as high as a certain 158-metre landmark. Last weekend, Amber Davies topped the leaderboard for the first in six weeks when her dramatic paso doble scored 38 points. The bottom two on the scoreboard were duly consigned to the dance-off, where Balvinder Sopal defeated Vicky Pattison, who was sadly sent home. Now the lucky survivors make the 230-mile trip north to the traditional home of ballroom – the stage to which every dancer aspires. As always, tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two will dance for survival on Sunday night. Will we get a seaside surprise? It’s showtime at 6.45pm on BBC One (it was originally scheduled for 6.35pm but the show has been shortened for reasons we’ll come to shortly). I’ll be liveblogging from 6.15pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and Blackpool megabantz. So knot a sparkly handkerchief on your head, roll up your trousers for a paddle and I’ll see you on the sofa. As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for hoofing hubbub. I’ll promenade down there whenever I can to see what you’re all saying and report your reactions up top. It’s week nine and the Tower Ballroom is looking fine. Nearly time to staaaart seaside dancing!