Strictly Come Dreaming

Series returns to Blackpool where pro careers began

- EMILY RETTER

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals have retraced their steps on the Blackpool of times throughout their careers.

And when they finally return to dancing's spiritual home for the first time in three years tonight, emotions will be running high.

Flashing through the minds of at least three dancers will be the first steps they took on that decorated floor.

Because, for many, the start of their journeys into dance began here including head judge Shirley Ballas.

Speaking about her "home", Shirley said: "It's where my first event was when I was seven. The only year I ever missed is when I gave birth to my son.

"I love everything about Blackpool, including the lights, the walks along the beach, the people and the nightlife.” Being back in Blackpool for the first time since Covid will send Strictly pros Kai Widdrington, SHIF Neil Jones BAL and Amy Dowden back to their early dancing days, when they clutched their parents' and grandparents' hands on the dance floor.

Kai, 27, said: "I remember holding my grandma's hand and walking down the steps to get into the ballroom.

"Hearing the iconic sound of the Blackpool Head judge orchestra, seeing the wooden floor and watching these beautiful silhouettes of ballroom dancers glide, it didn't seem real."

Neil, 40, said Blackpool "was our little Paris", adding: "We used to play the game as kids, who can spot the tower first. I used to love that." Amy, 32, recalled how the town's power was immediate and convinced her a career in dance lay ahead.