Strictly live updates: Dive into all the glitz of Blackpool week

Summary

Strictly Come Dancing has quickstepped into Blackpool Week tonight, with the Pet Shop Boys kicking off the show
The show's eight remaining couples have been dazzling the judges at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom
They've waltzed to the halfway mark of the series, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary
Get in touch: Share your thoughts on your favourite couples

Live Reporting

Edited by Jack Burgess and Tinshui Yeung

What makes the Blackpool Tower Ballroom so special?published at 17:53 Greenwich Mean Time
Image source, PA Media
As we prepare for Strictly's annual jaunt to its second home, let's dive into what makes the Blackpool Tower Ballroom so enchanting.
Normally the show's nestled in Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire, but once a year since 2004 it packs its bags and heads north.
The ballroom, dating back to 1894, is full of quirks, like the inscription above the stage: “Bid me discourse, I will enchant thine ear” - a nod to Shakespeare’s Venus and Adonis.
The Blackpool dancefloor is a whopper, about nine times the size of Elstree's, so our celebs will definitely get a workout.
And in case you were curious, those grand crystal chandeliers?
They can be lowered to the floor and take over a week to clean. Now that's dedication!
get involved
Get in touch with uspublished at 17:47 Greenwich Mean Time
Who are you watching with tonight? Where are you tuning in from? Who do you think will win? Who do you want to win? and what do you think of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom?
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What are the Strictly specials?published at 17:42 Greenwich Mean Time
Noor Nanji
BBC News Culture reporter
Image source, BBC Studios
Image caption,
Wynne Evans and his partner Katya Jones performed during Halloween week
Blackpool Week isn’t Strictly’s only annual tradition.
Every year, there are a series of special shows which fans look forward to.
Others include Movies Week, which took place last month – and saw Bollywood music come to the ballroom.
There’s also Musicals Week, where the couples perform routines inspired by hit musicals, and of course, Halloween Week, where we get to enjoy all the creepy and scary outfits.
But for many Strictly celebs and professionals, getting to Blackpool Week – which usually takes place around halfway through the competition – is a major goal.
Strictly returns to its second homepublished at 17:37 Greenwich Mean Time
Jack Burgess
Live page editor
Image caption,
Previous series of Strictly Come Dancing have featured the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The stage is set at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom tonight as Strictly Come Dancing heads back to Lancashire's spectacular seaside landmark.
We're ready for an epic night of dancing on its world-famous sprung floor.
Our professionals are set to open tonight's show with a spectacular performance starring the Pet Shop Boys.
With some of the most iconic routines from the last 20 years performed here, which couples will be able to create some more Blackpool magic?
My colleague Hafsa Khalil and myself will foxtrot you through tonight's programme as we watch along from London's Broadcasting House.
Follow the programme live from 18:45 GMT by pressing Watch live at the top of this page, or checking it out on BBC One or BBC iPlayer.