Strictly Come Dancing bosses reveal crushing news on upcoming 2021 series

Say it isn't so

Author: Georgie HollandPublished 28th Jul 2021
Last updated 28th Jul 2021

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have revealed that although the upcoming 2021 series will see the show return to its usual - dare we say, normal - glory, unfortunately they won't be heading to Blackpool due to safety reasons. Despite most restrictions on the show being lifted, sadly we won't see them dancing in the stunning Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Executive producer Sarah James told The Mirror: "We’re so thrilled that Strictly will be returning for a full-length series this year, and know how much viewers are looking forward to getting their full Strictly fix and seeing the return of much-loved specials."

Breaking the sad news, however, she continued: "We are all so sad that we won’t be able to get to Blackpool this year but can’t wait to be back dancing at the one and only Blackpool Tower Ballroom in the future."

Sarah then explained that production had to make the decision quite early on, due to the pre-planning of the show. Sadly, heading to glorious Blackpool was deemed too much of a risk, for safety reasons.

She elaborated: "Production had to make an early call on it and sadly couldn’t make it work due to the advanced planning and logistics required plus the uncertainty over the ever-changing Covid protocols."

Fans are not to dwell on the bad news, however, as the series is set to return this year just as sparkly and fabulous as ever. With as many as four new pro dancers confirmed for 2021, along with an interesting rumoured line-up, the show will be returning to its usual glory after having to impose a fair few changes last year.

We're gearing up for the return of plenty of themed weeks, including Halloween week, movie week and musicals week. Despite Strictly being one of the few shows that managed to go ahead during the pandemic, it's fair to say that fans missed their dose of Halloween-themed glitz and glamour in the 2020 series!

Check out all of the 2021 Strictly Come Dancing professionals below:

Kai Widdrington

Cameron Lombard

Nikita Kuzmin

Jowita Przystal

Amy Dowden

Dianne Buswell

Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.

Giovanni Pernice

Italian Champion Giovanni Pernice is the longest-serving male professional on the current line-up of Strictly pros, having joined the show in 2015. He lifted the Glitterball with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis back in 2021 and was most recently paired with presenter Richie Anderson.