Strictly's Glittering Seaside Spectacle Begins
The wait is over. The glitterball has been packed and the journey north is complete. Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has officially arrived at its most illustrious destination: the world-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom. This is week nine of the competition, a pivotal moment where dreams are made and the pressure intensifies under the dazzling lights of the iconic seaside venue.
Recap and High Stakes Ahead
The competition is fiercer than ever. Last weekend saw a dramatic shift in fortunes as Amber Davies finally clinched the top spot on the leaderboard for the first time in six weeks. Her powerful and dramatic paso doble earned an impressive 38 points, putting her in a commanding position. However, the dance-off brought disappointment for Vicky Pattison, who was sadly eliminated after being defeated by Balvinder Sopal.
Now, the remaining celebrity and professional pairs have made the 230-mile trip to the spiritual home of ballroom. Tonight's scores will be combined with the public vote, and the two couples with the lowest combined totals will face the dreaded dance-off on Sunday night for a chance to survive another week.
How to Follow the Blackpool Action
The spectacle unfolds tonight on BBC One at 6.45pm. Please note the slightly later start time, as the show has been shortened from its originally scheduled 6.35pm slot. Our live coverage begins at 6.15pm, bringing you all the essential build-up, rolling analysis, immediate reaction, and of course, some classic Blackpool megabantz.
We want to hear from you throughout the show. You can share your thoughts and predictions on Twitter, Bluesky, or Threads, send an email, or join the conversation in the comments section below. Your reactions will be featured in our live updates.
The Tower Ballroom is ready. The dancers are prepared. It's nearly time to staaaart seaside dancing!
