BALLROOM blitz!

SHIRLEY BALLAS on this year's excursion to Blackpool, the judges' WhatsApp group, and saying farewell to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

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STRICTLY COME DANCING

SATURDAY, 6.35PM, & SUNDAY, 7.15PM, BBC1 ENTERTAINMENT

Tripping the light fantastic at Blackpool's iconic Tower Ballroom is a magical moment in the Strictly Come Dancing calendar for the celebrities and their professional partners who reach this stage of the BBC1 competition.

And head judge Shirley Ballas knows exactly why the venue shines, having made her first visit there at the age of 10.

'I look forward to going to Blackpool every year on Strictly,' smiles the star, 65, who joined the show in 2017 and will be casting her verdict on the couples' routines this Saturday alongside fellow panellists Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Here, in an exclusive chat, Shirley tells TV Times why the seaside spectacular is set to rock...

First things first, Shirley, did you enjoy teaming up with Craig for our special cover shoot?

It was wonderful. I enjoy doing anything with Craig. I've known him for nine years now and he's so funny. I love that our Strictly desk is smaller this series, so we all get to sit closer together. It means I can reach over and give him a little nudge!

How excited are you about the outing to Blackpool?