BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers all say same thing minutes into Blackpool show

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts seemed to have a unanimous opinion just minutes into the Blackpool show.

The eagerly awaited dance programme made its grand return on Saturday in the dazzling Blackpool, where the remaining eight celebrities battled it out for their spot in the competition. With Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly steering the ship, the show was in full swing.

However, viewers couldn't help but comment on Claudia's extravagant golden gown. The captivating dress featured oversized sleeves and tassels that hung down.

Flocking to social media platform X, viewers voiced their thoughts on her glitzy outfit. One fan of the BBC show quipped: "Claudia in a magic carpet."

Another remarked: "Claudia is wearing a magic carpet or a curtain from a Blackpool casino.", reports the Mirror.

A third chimed in: "Oh dear what is Claudia wearing. Meanwhile another added: "Woohoo! That Pet Shop Boys opening looked like fun on #Strictly but why, oh why, oh why is Claudia wearing my mother in law's old curtains? ? ? ".

Despite some negative comments, some viewers were smitten with Claudia's golden ensemble. Offering a different perspective, one viewer gushed: "Obsessed with what Claudia's wearing. OBSESSED. Another agreed and said: "Love Claudia's gold kaftan, very stylish."

Blackpool's iconic Tower Ballroom played host to an electric Strictly Come Dancing event, marking a significant milestone as the show celebrated its 20th anniversary. The festivities began with a bang as the Pet Shop Boys set the stage alight with their opening performance.

Ahead of her first dance in Blackpool, Tasha Ghouri from Strictly and Love Island fame shared her excitement: "Blackpool is legendary because it's such a unique venue, and it's known as one of the most special places in the competition world. In the UK especially, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is beautiful and grand, and having that week away from the Elstree studio brings a fresh atmosphere, new energy, and a bigger audience."

She continued, highlighting the significance of the venue: "Everyone gets really pumped up for Blackpool it just feels so much more special. You hear about the historic ballroom competitions held there, and it's such a respected space in dance, which is why everyone loves it so much."

Chris McCausland, making history as Strictly's first blind contestant, also commented on the experience, particularly the meaning it holds for his dance partner Diane Buswell: "It's something that means a lot to the professional dancers."

He elaborated on the importance of the Blackpool event for the professionals: "Strictly is a two way relationship and they don't get to dance there every year with a partner because they leave at different points of the competition each year. To be able to get to Blackpool with Dianne and give her that opportunity to dance there again means more to me than me being able to go there myself."

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC Iplayer.