Four former Strictly finalists are returning for Blackpool week
They'll take part in a spectacular group dance
With the competition seriously heating up on Strictly Come Dancing, the Blackpool specials are fast approaching, which will see this year's celebrities perform at the famous Blackpool Tower.
As if that wasn't exciting enough, in a new twist for 2025, BBC bosses are welcoming back FOUR former Strictly finalists to perform a spectacular group dance in Blackpool.
Who is returning?
The four contestants returning to the show include 2015 winner Jay McGuinness, and 2016, 2018 and 2023 finalists Danny Mac, Ashley Roberts and Layton Williams.
Jay, Danny, Ashley and Layton will join forces with Strictly's pro dancers for a dazzling routine that will see them each revisit one of their most famous Strictly moments, before coming together for a joyful celebration of dance in the lavish surroundings of The Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Danny Mac said: “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 added: “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.”
Ashley Roberts said: “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.”
Layton Williams then added: "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?!"
When is Blackpool week on Strictly?
Strictly Come Dancing's Blackpool specials air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6:35pm on Saturday 22nd November and 7.15pm on Sunday 23rd November.
Who else is performing?
As well as the former contestants returning, music superstars Lewis Capaldi and Steps will perform.
Blackpool's Saturday live show will open with a performance from Steps of their biggest hits, accompanied by the Strictly professional dancers, celebrities and the four judges.
The returning finalists' routine will air as part of Blackpool's Sunday results show, which will also feature a very special performance from Lewis Capaldi accompanied by the Strictly pros.
Who is still left in Strictly?
Out of the 16 celebs who started the competition, only eight remain, following the elimination of Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and his pro partner Karen Hauer last week.
Check out all of this year's Strictly couples below:
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe: ELIMINATED
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec: FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Drag Queen La Voix was forced to pull out of the competition ahead of Blackpool week. Hosts Tess and Claudia said: "As you may have heard La Voix sustained an injury meaning she can't dance in Blackpool tonight. Following further advice from our medical team, we can now confirm very sadly that she has had to withdraw from the competition."
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington: ELIMINATED
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer: ELIMINATED
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola: ELIMINATED
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley: ELIMINATED
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell: FORCED TO WITHDRAW
After four weeks in the competition, Neighbours star Stefan Dennis announced he'd been forced to quit the competition, revealing he'd torn his calf muscle.
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova: ELIMINATED
Ross King and Jowita Przystal: ELIMINATED
Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden: ELIMINATED
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin: FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Just days ahead of her first live performance, Dani released a statement to announce she'd had to pull out of the series after suffering a fractured ankle in training. It has now been confirmed that Amber Davies will replace her and pair with Nikita.
Strictly Come Dancing continues this weekend on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6:30pm on Saturday and 7.15pm on Sunday.
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