Strictly fans only just realising why show moves to Blackpool every year
Just eight celebrities remain on Strictly Come Dancing, with things really beginning to heat up as the grand final draws closer. The hit BBC show is heading to Blackpool on Saturday (16 November) for its annual episode in the town's iconic Tower Ballroom, and there's no doubt this year's remaining contestants are thrilled to have made it this far in the competition.
Chris McCausland, Pete Wicks, Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Sarah Hadland, Jamie Borthwick and Montell Douglas will all taking to the dance floor in Blackpool as they fight to remain in the competition. With Strictly fans excitedly waiting for the glamorous Blackpool episode, many have began to wonder why heading to the seaside town became a tradition on the BBC show - and the reason is quite simple.
The BBC Television Centre studio where Strictly used to be filmed was also needed for the BBC's Children In Need appeal on a Friday evening every November, giving the dance show the perfect excuse to head to Blackpool. Although things have now changed, after TV Centre closed for refurbishment in 2013, the tradition continues. Strictly Come Dancing first went to Blackpool in 2004, but it wasn't until 2009 when Blackpool Week became an annual part of the show.
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Fans have pointed this out on social media, leaving many stunned. One person wrote on X: "Final was there in the early days but Children in Need used to filmed in same studio as Strictly which forced them to Blackpool. CIN moved to Salford last year so in theory the final could move back to Blackpool."
A second wrote: "That's a random fun fact—Blackpool for Strictly and Children in Need, who knew?" Another added: "did you know the reason they go to Blackpool for strictly is because they need the studio in London for children in need?"
Blackpool Week will see Chris and Dianne dance an American Smooth to Jump by Paul Anka, while Pete and Jowita will perform a Cha Cha to Right Said Fred's I'm Too Sexy and Montell and Johannes will dance a Salsa to Don't Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston.
Elsewhere, Jamie and Michelle will perform a Jive to Las Ketchup's The Ketchup Song, JB and Lauren will perform a Quickstep to Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley and Tasha and Aljaž are dancing a Paso Doble to Torn by Nathan Lanier. Dancing a Charleston to Carmen Suite No. 1: 5. Les toréadors by George Bizet is Wynne and Katya, and Sarah and Vito will be performing their Couple's Choice to Padam Padam by Kylie Minogue.
