The Strictly Come Dancing stars danced in the streets on Friday as the show returned to Blackpool for the first time in three years.
Covid restrictions meant that the last two series of the hit show haven’t been able to film their annual episode in the famous Tower Ballroom.
Yet the class of 2022 broke the streak as they returned to the seaside resort, including professional dancers Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova who looked smitten during the rehearsals.
Performers: The Strictly Come Dancing stars danced in the streets on Friday as the show returned to Blackpool for the first time in three years
Kai wrapped up in a grey robe, while Nadiya donned a black coat as they beamed and helped each other get ready for the next dance.
They shared an affectionate hug, followed by him lifting her high up above his head during the routine.
The dancers appeared to be in wonderful spirits as they performed several dance numbers on a cold night.
They were all dressed in glamorous and glitzy outfits, and in between dances they made sure to wrap up in warm puffer jackets.
Loved-up: The class of 2022 broke the streak as they returned to the seaside resort, including professional dancers Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova who looked smitten during the rehearsals
Cosy: Kai wrapped up in a grey robe, while Nadiya donned a black coat as they beamed and helped each other get ready for the next dance
Happy: The dancers appeared to be in wonderful spirits as they performed several dance numbers on a cold night
Stunning: Dianne Buswell and Katya Jones looked incredible in dazzling blue dresses which they wore underneath neon raincoats
High spirits: Kai, Nadiya and Nikita beamed and gave a thumbs up to onlookers
Dianne Buswell stood out in a dazzling blue dress, wrapped in a neon green raincoat and teamed with strappy heels.
The beauty appeared to stop at a stall for ice-cream in between takes where they were filming.
Professional dancers such as Nikita Kuzmin and Johannes Radebe donned shimmering colourful shirts and trousers.
Looking good: The beauty appeared to stop at a stall for ice-cream in between takes where they were filming
Dance partners: Nadiya and Nikita were all smiles before starting their intimate dance routine beside the stalls
Wrapped up: They were all dressed in glamorous and glitzy outfits, and in between dances they made sure to wrap up in warm puffer jackets
Since 2013, Blackpool ballroom has had an annual slot in the BBC show where the celebs get to perform under the dazzling lights.
A BBC source said: ‘After finding out he would be facing the dance off, Tony had a chat with producers and stated that both he and the physio were concerned that dancing the jive again in the dance off could cause further injury and he had therefore decided he would instead withdraw from the competition.’
Performers: Covid restrictions meant that the last two series of the hit show haven’t been able to film their annual episode in the famous Tower Ballroom
The BBC refused to explain what the injury was or how it occurred, citing it as a private, medical matter, though there was speculation he had hurt his hamstring, a common complaint for footballers.
A source at the studio said that Tony looked ‘upset’ after the Saturday night show ended.
‘Something was wrong, something was going on,’ they told the Daily Mail. ‘He was struggling to walk and was holding his leg.’
Last week: Week Eight saw singer Fleur East and Vito Coppola shoot to the top of the leaderboard thanks to their sizzling Salsa to Hot Hot Hot by Arrow – which saw them receive a a near-perfect score of 39
Trip: The stars arrived at Blackpool on Thursday and have been enjoying sight seeing
Week eight is deemed on of the most crucial of the series as it is the last show before the celebrities head to Blackpool to perform world famous Tower Ballroom.
Tony was under increased pressure from Strictly fans to quit the competition after he stayed in last Sunday while Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds – a favourite to reach the final – was sent home.
She had scored 12 more points the than Adams for her dance.
Stylish: Helen Skelton showed off her fall style in brown skin-tight leggings, a black leather jacket and cosy boots
Beaming: The presenter held up signs that read ‘I heart Kai’ while onlookers snapped pictures
Low-key: Kym cut a casual figure in a black fur trim coat, a t-shirt and gym leggings
Looking good: Fleur East bundled up in a black and white coat while keeping a low profile in black sunglasses
Beaming: Molly Rainford and Dianne were all smiles as they left the hotel on Saturday morning and head to rehearsals
Her exit prompted devoted followers of the BBC dance programme to write to the Corporation’s bosses and also share their anger on social media. They insisted he leave the show to give his more talented co-stars an opportunity to stay.
They were also furious with Arsenal fans for voting for Tony, 56, to stay when he was scoring such low marks.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Bye: One star who won’t be joining them in Blackpool is Tony Adams after he sensationally quit Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday evening
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
KYM MARSH
Age: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: Radio DJ
Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’
ELLIE TAYLOR
Age: 38
Profession: Comedian
Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’
TONY ADAMS MBE
Age: 55
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’
MOLLY RAINFORD
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: Singer
Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio broadcaster
Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’
Source: | Dailymail.co.uk
