BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars hit Blackpool for fish and chips, the illuminations and a game of bingo

The Strictly Come Dancing stars have hit Blackpool, and look like they've been making themselves at home as the show relocates for one weekend only.

Every year, the hit BBC One dance competition heads up north to the seaside town where the programme is broadcast live from the Tower Ballroom. The live show on Saturday night will see hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman steering the hit dancing juggernaut while the eight remaining couples will perform on the legendary venue's spring floor.

As well as the performances from the celebrities and their professional dance partners who made it through to week nine of Strictly's 2024 series, this Saturday's (November 16) live show will also feature a performance from Pet Shop Boys, who will open it with a medley of hits as the Strictly professional dancers perform a routine.

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And with an expanded cast of professional dancers and the electric Northern atmosphere, this year's Blackpool special promises to be an unmissable celebration.

But before taking to the dance floor, the couples have been seen making their way around Blackpool as they headed to some familiar sights. Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, who are the frontrunners to lift the Glitterball trophy this year, were spotted checking out Strictly's very own design being projected onto Blackpool Tower.

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec headed straight for a bit of thrill-seeking as they were seen getting ready to ride a rollercoaster at the Pleasure Beach while Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal went for a more chilled tram ride through the illuminations.

Elsewhere, Jamie Borthwick stuck to his plan and headed straight for the fish and chip shop and tucked in alongside partner Michelle Tsiakkas and the sea front, while Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola visited The Comedy Carpet and JB Gill and Lauren Oakley got in the festive spirit with a Christmas market.

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 stars in Blackpool

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Last, but by no means least, Wynne Evans and Katya Jones stuck with dancing while Johannes Radebe and Montell Douglas enjoyed a civilised game of bingo.

It comes after the Blackpool Tower was lit up on Thursday night (November 14) featuring a custom Strictly design that paid tribute to its 20th anniversary on screens in true sparkling style.

A BBC spokesperson said: "We celebrated Strictly in Blackpool with a breathtaking light display on Blackpool Tower, featuring a custom Strictly design that paid tribute to our 20th anniversary in true sparkling style! The Tower came alive, bringing Strictly magic to this iconic landmark ahead of this weekend's show."

Strictly Come Dancing: Blackpool Special airs at 1845 on Saturday 16 November on BBC One & iPlayer.