Strictly Come Dancing returned to Blackpool this weekend — and in a surprising twist, it ended up being one of the most enjoyable Blackpool specials we’ve seen in years. Despite the disappointment of La Voix being unable to perform, the show delivered more sparkle, energy, and nostalgia than expected. For once, the iconic Tower Ballroom felt fresh.

For many fans, Blackpool week can feel predictable. Yes, the sprung floor gives the dancers extra bounce. Yes, the “home of ballroom” tagline gets repeated every year. And yes, we can practically recite the VT shots of trams, the pier and clips of the judges reminiscing about dancing there in the 90s. Yawn, indeed.

But this year felt different — and in the best possible way.

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Farewell to La Voix

Earlier in the week, it was announced that La Voix had injured her foot. But during Saturday’s live show, Tess Daly confirmed the sadder news: on medical advice, La Voix had withdrawn from the competition entirely. (BBC)

Steps performed a medley of their hits (Credit: BBC)

La Voix’s goodbye was emotional (Credit: BBC)

La Voix sat in the audience looking emotional as the announcement was made. And honestly? We’re gutted. She’s been one of the strongest additions to this year’s cast — razor-sharp, funny, and genuinely on that classic Strictly “journey” (sorry, we had to say it!).

Because both La Voix and Stefan Dennis have now left the competition early, the show confirmed there would be no elimination this week. That meant no Sunday dance-off — something the contestants greeted with ecstatic cheers.

And you know what? The lack of pressure worked. The whole evening felt lighter, more fun, more joyful — even Tess and Claudia seemed extra hyped for what is their final Blackpool Strictly together. (ITV)

Lewis and Katya got 40 for their Charleston (Credit: BBC)

A Blackpool special with actual sparkle

The night opened with the pros performing an incredible Steps medley, brilliantly choreographed and packed with nostalgia. Add to that surprise appearances from former Strictly favourites Jay McGuiness, Ashley Roberts, Layton Williams, and Danny Mac — all fan favourites from previous seasons (Radio Times) — and suddenly the show felt like a proper celebration.

We definitely weren’t expecting that!

Here’s what we thought of each performance as Strictly hit the famous Tower Ballroom…

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⭐ The Highlights

Lewis Cope and Katya Jones

Former Emmerdale star Lewis Cope stunned again with a high-energy Charleston to a swing version of I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor. It was sharp, funny, and packed with detail — exactly what a Charleston should be.

Craig Revel Horwood called it “fab-u-lous,” while Anton du Beke declared it “unbelievable.” Hard to argue with either of them.

Lewis and Katya swept the scoreboard with four 10s, landing them firmly at the top. Is Lewis now the one to beat for the glitterball? Honestly… maybe.

Karen danced a fierce Paso (Credit: BBC)

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu

Karen Carney — who somehow manages to smile through everything — shocked everyone by transforming into full fierce mode for her fiery Paso Doble.

Even Motsi Mabuse admitted: “I don’t have a paddle high enough to express how good that was!”

Craig, naturally, still found something to critique and scored her a 9 while the others held up 10s. Harsh? Absolutely.

But the dance was a standout of the night: dramatic, polished and ultra-powerful. (The Guardian)

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George Clarke and Alexis Warr

George Clarke finally let his hair down — metaphorically — with a Salsa that was easily his best routine to date.

Up until now, George has sometimes looked like he wasn’t fully enjoying himself. But this week he looked relaxed, happy and genuinely engaged.

Craig even called him a “true star” (before scoring him… yes, another 9), while everyone else gave him 10. A breakthrough moment for George!

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Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon

The “comeback queen” of the season delivered again with a bold Argentine Tango. Without the threat of the dance-off hanging over her, Bal felt freer and more confident — and it showed.

She earned 33 points, a very respectable score.

Our one complaint? Too many extra dancers! Blackpool always brings them out, and they’re often distracting. Bal’s performance, while strong, sometimes got swallowed by the chaos around her — though the judges strongly disagreed. (Metro)

George finally had some fun! (Credit: BBC)

Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin

Amber’s Quickstep was fast, furious, and full of content — maybe too full. The extra dancers contributed to the usual Blackpool-level chaos.

Still, four 9s from the judges speak for themselves. And Nikita was thrilled, especially with his parents in the audience.

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Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe

Alex and Jojo delivered one of the most emotionally resonant Couple’s Choice routines of the season.

Alex shared her cancer diagnosis story and called Strictly the ultimate celebration of being cancer-free. Her husband, Emmy-winning filmmaker Jonathan Stamp, appeared in the VT and stole viewers’ hearts instantly.

Anton called it “stylish and sophisticated,” Motsi said “slick, sultry and sensational,” and Craig praised it as “pure theatre.”

With 35 points, some of us felt she was under-marked.

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Sunday Night: A Celebration, Not a Results Show

Because there was no elimination, Sunday’s episode became one big party. We got:

• The return of Ashley, Jay, Layton, and Danny — dancing like the icons they are.

• An emotional farewell package for La Voix.

• A brilliant live performance from Lewis Capaldi.

• Zero stress. Zero jeopardy. 100% sparkle.

Honestly? What a weekend.

Are we fully convinced Blackpool week has redeemed itself forever?
Not quite.
But after this year, we’re more open to persuasion than ever.