Four celebrated former contestants will make their way back to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom for an exclusive performance during the programme’s highly anticipated Blackpool special.
The BBC revealed during Thursday evening’s It Takes Two that the quartet of past finalists would unite for an elaborate group routine.
Host Janette Manrara disclosed the news to viewers, confirming that the returning stars would participate in what she described as a “huge group number”.
The performance is scheduled for next Sunday’s results programme on November 23.
Janette Manrara shared the news on Thursday’s It Takes Two
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BBC
The special routine will see the former contestants partnering with the show’s professional dancers in a choreographed piece that promises to showcase memorable elements from their original appearances on the programme.
The returning performers comprise 2015 champion Jay McGuiness, who triumphed alongside professional partner Aliona Vilani, and three other finalists from subsequent series.
Actor Danny Mac reached the 2016 final partnered with Oti Mabuse, whilst former Pussycat Dolls member Ashley Roberts competed as a 2018 finalist alongside Pasha Kovalev.
Theatre performer Layton Williams completes the quartet, having reached the 2023 final with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
The four former contestants will be making a return for Blackpool Week
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BBC
Each celebrity will recreate signature routines from their original appearances on the programme.
Mr McGuiness will reprise his Pulp Fiction-inspired jive to Misirlou, whilst Mr Mac brings back his samba to Magalenha by Sergio Mendes.
Ms Roberts returns with her jive to Shake Ya Tail Feather, and Mr Williams will perform his quickstep to Gregory Porter’s Puttin’ On The Ritz.
The returning stars shared their enthusiasm about performing at the iconic venue once more.
Mr McGuiness stated: “I feel extremely lucky to be part of the Strictly alumni that are going to shake our booties again. I’m ready to have some fun with the old gang and the new gang.”
Jay McGuinness took part in BBC Strictly in 2015
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BBC
Mr Mac described his original Blackpool experience as an “absolute highlight” of his Strictly journey, adding: “To be heading back up to The Tower Ballroom once again is as thrilling as it is terrifying, but I can’t wait to be reunited with all the wonderful people who make this show.”
Ms Roberts expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying: “I’m so excited and grateful to be back on the shiny floor in Blackpool again.
“Nearly a decade later, let’s see if these jive legs can still do their thing! Sequins always help, I’m sure.”
Mr Williams shared similar sentiments: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back on THE most iconic dance floor there is.
“Blackpool brings back so many fab memories and it’s a true honour to be invited back… Let’s hope I’ve still got it, eh?!”
Jason Gilkinson has choreographed the special routine featuring the four returning celebrities.
The performance forms part of the Blackpool weekend celebrations, which commence on Saturday, November 22, with the live show at 6.30pm.
Pop group Steps will open Saturday’s programme, performing their greatest hits alongside the professional dancers, celebrities and all four judges.
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin made it to the final of the 2023 series
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BBC
Singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi will deliver a special performance during Sunday’s results show, accompanied by the professional dancers.
The weekend’s entertainment also includes the programme’s first collaboration between the professional dancers and award-winning troupe Diversity. Their routine will blend hip hop with Hollywood’s golden era styling.
Eight couples remain in the competition and will perform on Saturday, with one pair facing elimination before the Blackpool special.