Episode 40 Strictly - It Takes Two

# Oh I do like to be beside the seaside

# Oh I do like to be beside the sea # Just let me be beside the seaside

# # Beside the seaside

# Beside the sea...#

Live from London, this is Strictly, It Takes Two. Please welcome your

host, Zoe Ball. Norman, the new Norman in my life.

Wasn't he good. It's Friday and there's only one

thing on my mind - Blackpool! I do believe that makes it the 186th

time I've said Blackpool this week. In just under 24 hours

our couples will make their debut Now, I do like to be beside

the seaside, but they wouldn't let me go, so I had to find someone to

send up there to get the goss. That was after an incident in the

nightclub last year. in donkey handling was second to

none, so he got the job. I was thinking about doing that for

a living, but I made an ass of myself in the interview. It is nice

to be back beside the seaside but usually in May when the sun is out

and you can do some suna bitting. It is freezing here but things are

warming up in the world famous Tower Ballroom. Welcome to Blackpool! And

somebody put the kettle on. Thank you.

Now Blackpool is renowned for its spectacular illuminations

So welcome to the official turning on of the It Takes Two lights!

Joining me for the big moment are my Friday Panel,

Robin Windsor is here too and the gorgeous Shane Filan and

Nadine Coyle, who will be singing us out at the end of the show.

They have been looking forward to this for weeks!

Right all we need now is a showbiz mayor to do the honours.

Oh look, it's the third member of my Friday Panel aka Mayor Mel Giedroyc.

Madam mayor thank you very much. Where did you get that fancy

clobber? You don't want to know. My normal Friday night gear. Do the

honest! AS QUEEN: Gives me great pleasure, Zoe and Friday panel, to

announce these lights are officially on! Wow. We really splashed out

there. Thank you, Mel. It's not just us lot that are

excited for the show tomorrow. The people of Blackpool are well

and truly ready The buzz in Blackpool since Strictly

started. It gets everyone excited. It is like Derby Day in Manchester.

It is great when structly comes to Blackpool. It gets everyone talking

and dancing. When I see Strictly, it makes me proud to be Blackpool

Blackpool is the home of entertainment. We have had Neil

Diamond. Shirley Bassey worked here All the West End show that is come

into town and now to top it all off, Strictly Come Dancing is here. Fifs

to dance at the tower, I would love to do a foxtrot. I really would. I

to dance at the tower, I would love hips, the samba. Blackpool loves

strictly. The fine people of Blackpool.

I'm catching the rehearsal of Kellie had.

I'm catching the rehearsal of Kellie and Kevin. They have done it

I'm catching the rehearsal of Kellie times, just getting used to the

massive world famous ballroom. I didn't dance here when I did the

show. It's my first time. It is a wonderful place. It is massive. This

show. It's my first time. It is a is what faces our couples tomorrow

night and here are some of them now. Guys, welcome to Blackpool. We are

here, Jamelia, we are here in Blackpool. I'm so xied. You made it.

That's a good reaction, come on You are a Strictly record holder. How

does it feel? You want to make the record better, don't you? I do, I

want to be in the dance-off again and beat it again, oh, man, oh, my

God Blackpool. Tristan what have and beat it again, oh, man, oh, my

given her this morning? I've tried to give her a quickstep, I hope it

is still there. Quickstep in the mouth. Stay calm. You two, there is

an air of excitement about your dance, big bash, big music, the

Ballroom. What can we look forward to? We can look forward to a great

routine. Top hats. What kind of leading man has Anton been? I wasn't

taking the mick, it is a serious question. Well he does lead and he

is a man. Listen, you have been doing this for how long now, 150

years? It is not that often you get that excited. It is Blackpool,

Saturday night and the dancing as well. It is sort of a perfect storm.

I have the perfect leading lady, in a storm. It is raining and we have

got a bullroom dance. We are in the home of ballroom dancing, Blackpool.

We are in the most beautiful ballroom in the world. I just don't

want to be in the dance-off against her You can't beat her in the

dance-off. Nightmare. The worst nightmare against - oh, no. It could

be some television. Janette and Peter. I was watching you rehearse.

Before we talk about that. You threatened on live television you

are going to take everyone clubbing. Have you been? No we only got here.

I tell you what, are we going to do it or what tomorrow night? We are so

doing it. Is he doing a good job? Very good. Exciting routine and

rocking and rolling You add in a few dancers. Does that add to the

problem They add to the fire. It is a big dance, big show. ! You are

dancing to I'm A Believer. Did you choose that on purpose? No, I was

given it on purpose. I really like the song now. Now. Is it true, if

you get through this week, next week will be your first-ever Argentine

tango, I can't believe that? Yes. Oh, oh. They normally save it for

the semifinals the rotten - I have never been. What a year you are

having, incredible. Blackpool, you have got past Week 2. It's

emotional. Emotional. Look at you, Jonny Cop scam laty, what are you,

the end of the world? Seeing as we Jonny Cop scam laty, what are you,

are in Blackpool, it is only right we have brought some rocks. There is

a question on the rock. If you were stuck up the top of Blackpool Tower

with a pro dancer, who would it be? That has to be an easy answer?

Anton. Any particular reason? Your answer is obvious. Ian Waite. In a

donkey onsie. Any friends of family coming to

watch you? Yes, the lovely Josie, my husband and my friend Kath. John is

like, king of the Green Room party. He will be taking everybody coming,

even if you don't. Have you all got friends afamily coming? My brother

and sister flew in from Miami My wife and brother-in-law. So very

happy. My boyfriend is coming. Does he come every week, just in case? I

think that's why he is coming, to be honest. Only joking. Time for one

more question. Sno who did you have breakfast with this morning and what

did you have? Don't tell them. I haven't had breakfast. Moving on.

Which of the judges would you like to see take an early morning dip in

the sea? ? The only one I think would do that is Len, he is kind of

that - all right. I don't know why I said that. Jamelia wanted to see Len

in his speedos. Moving on. Maybe Len. I love you, Len. Guys, the best

of luck to. I can tell there is excitement in the room. I can't wait

for tomorrow. It will be brilliant. Thank you so much, the best of luck.

The very idea of Len Goodman in speedos has sent a the bit of a rush

among the ladies. The Blackpool buzz is spreading

like wildfire on social media. Look, even Punch is at it, with the

help of Marcus. And despite preparing

for their biggest show so far, our couples have been keeping the world

up to speed on their preparations, starting with Anita who let slip how

she was travelling up to Blackpool. # A whole new

world...# Meanwhile some of the female pro

dancers had a right knees up And a cold looking Aljaz appears to

be less happy as he gets used to He posted, "I am slowly getting

used to the climate change in I just gave away my shorts,

towel and sunblock." Now, this weekend,

our pros and celebrities are joining forces for not one but two group

dances and for this one they've gone all lords and ladies and cooks

and cleaners for it. We had a little peek earlier. Yes,

we did. This Will This routine is an

Upstairs Downstairs. The celebrities will be upstairs being oarist

towcrats and it is going on in the kitchen where pros and extra dancers

are creating mayhem One of the celebrities sends back food. They

are not happy. It gets handed back until it gets to the kitchen to a

grumpy chef. That's how it Tuilagily comes together We wanted to use

Lindy hop as the main Lang whack. It is not an easy thing to learn. It is

different for the pros. They are used to holding their bod yans

pushing through stuff. We are loose. To do a proper whole routine of

lippedy hop is quite exciting. There are lifts, it is fast, it is fun. It

is so fun. I'm losing my legs. If I could learn any style of dance, it

would be Lindy hop. I'm excited. I love T This dance is going to be...

I would think epic is the world. The Blackpool numbers have to be

massive. This won't disappoint you. Make sure you tune in.

That looks brilliant. Thank you. Okay, let's see what backstage nook

Gethin has wormed his way into. Hello darling. Hello darling. I'm

wangled my way down to the ballroom bouncy floor. I have found two of

the most gorgeous girls you can emergency You look amazing Jo and

Nat are you spray-tanned up? We have literally just had a spray tan? What

is the occasion, tonight or tomorrow. This is for tomorrow. You

can't tell I have any on. She is supertan. That's a Grimsby tan, Jo,

but still beautiful. I know you have been here all day watching the

couples. You have spent a lot of time in Choreography Corner. You are

perfect to ask this. Who should we be looking out for I saw Aljaz and

Helen. It was energetic but they were together in every move they Z

they are looking strong. I'm looking forward to seeing Georgia. She is

doing an American smooth but in Viennese waltz timing. We have

probably only ever seen one done before in the history. It will be

amazing. Anton American smooth. Ballroom on this floor is special. I

think everyone will up their game It will be an incredible weekend. I

know the result show you will be doing something with Take That. I

know you can't do too much away. But look up there Anastasia is there.

That is a move, a Blackpool, seaside move. Welcome, how are you feeling

before performing and rehearsing? Superexcited and nervous. This is so

exciting. Love T You are Superexcited and nervous. This is so

practise. You have a greatest hits album out and you are going to have

a practise I'm going to practise. I'm so excited. I can't imagine you

needing practice ti.s thank you very much. All the best for the weekend.

Back to you. A future contestant in an staysia.

I do believe it's now that part of the show where I welcome

a trio of highly esteemed experts to talk about all things Strictly.

Sadly they couldn't make it, so instead let's hear it for

Louis Smith, Louise Redknapp and Mel Giedroyc.

Hello, Zoe! Look at those moves, Mel. You let me hanging, I said,

let's all dance. We got a bit nervous. Rabbit in the headlights.

Sorry, darling, they are always in the way. How much are you enjoying

this series? I am loving it. They are also good, especially this week.

They are at such a great standard that you don't know what is going to

happen week from week. We don't even know. Normally, we do, but you

really can tell. Lewis, what has been your standout performance? I

think it has to be James. He was so good. -- Jay's jive. Can you better

the jive? I don't see why not. He is in great hands

the jive? I don't see why not. He is talent. And Mel, you are taking over

the stripper come dancing live tour. -- Strictly Come Dancing. How

excited are you? Everybody on Strictly has a really good teeth.

excited are you? Everybody on They are really quite and straight.

Should I have these done? Quietening 81771. So you are saying they are

yellow? -- whitening them up. I need a brace. You have lovely teeth. Come

on... It is a jive for Peter and Jeanette. They are

Turner. Tell me, could this be a good weekend for Peter Andre?

Turner. Tell me, could this be a at that, very strong and confident.

I think he has come through some kind of psychological thing in the

last week. I think he is absolutely on it now. I am worried about his

hair when the hat comes off. They will spread into place. -- spray it

into place. Lewis, what do you think of Peter? We have met a few times

but to be honest, I think he looks a little soft. It was only Tuesday. He

doesn't look sharp. What does he need for the jive? My jive was not

great, I could not execute it. It is such a weird feeling. You have to

have your flips on point. What does that mean? This is all floppy, but

it has to be like this. Moving onto Katie and Anton. We are looking for

good stuff. It is an American smooth. The king of ballroom in the

home of ballroom. Top hats and everything, how good could this be?

She is so elegant and beautiful, and she just takes everything in her own

way. She makes everything look very classy and beautiful. I think it is

very hard for her because everybody is quite technical and getting

stronger and probably technically she is not at the standard of some

of the others. But I think she will pull it off, just being so

gorgeous. And Anton has a very tight grip. Very briefly, he showed me his

grip once. He showed me his grip in the shops. What is he like?! Moving

onto Jay and Aliona. This weekend, it is a salsa. Some kind of body

ripple. He is going to be great this week. I think it is his time now.

Especially after the pulp fiction dance, I think it is something he

can move around too. I think he will really embrace this. But are his

hips on point? How should he is said to be in a salsa? -- how should his

hips be. Should we look? Louise Redknapp, I do believe you took a

closer look! And Chile are in practice, dancing to Dolly Parton.

What we think of these two. She has come on brilliantly. Says me, an

amateur. But I can just see that she wants it. I could see it in her eyes

last week, couldn't you? I think she is really professional and she comes

from a background where you have to get on with it and learn your dance.

And that really shows, it shows that she comes from a background where

performance is everything. And you are going to go at it head-on and

tackle it. Louise, you need to do the show.

If you like the songs our couples are dancing to and want to hear

more, then head to our website for the full Strictly playlist.

This bunch'll be back shortly for some Blackpool shenanigans but for

now let's hear it for our Friday Panel.

Time to check in with the Tower Ballroom and see who Gethin

I am just getting used to my surroundings here in Blackpool. I am

backstage and this is make up, very glamorous. Not so much. More make up

through the year. You've got a screen to see what is going on in

the rehearsal room. That is an eater and Gleb. It will be better by

tomorrow night. -- that is ten seam. And here in make up, Jay and Aliona.

What did I just disturbed? Were you talking about dancing? We were

talking about that cardigan. We were debating whether I bought it a size

too big. What do you think? I think it's great. If you are happy with

that. I wonder, I wonder. That is for another show. I wonder if that

is out because you are feeling Pirelli. How are you feeling? I was

ill at the beginning of the week so we had to have a day off training.

It is a short week at the run-up to Saturday. How much did affect you

guys? To be honest, I have had one week with no East Enders, so

actually, even though we missed a day, we have had more time this week

than we would normally get, so for us, it has been a really good week.

Full days of training. Not just three hours in the evening. I expect

to see the results on Saturday night. What about you guys, how did

you get here? We got here by car. It was a fun road trip. At two this

morning, we got to bed. Halfway there, we stopped to the bar and had

some food. A little birdie tells me that you'd like a long lunch. That

is true. Because you have to get to the place, you have to order, wait

for the food, eat it, digestive, and only then can you start dancing. You

cannot do it on a. Ack. Zogby through the journey. You are in the

back of the car... -- talk me through the journey. He played

avatar on the TV. It was brilliant. It's a strong cardigan. How are you

feeling about Saturday night in Blackpool? Pretty special. I am

really excited. I'm excited for these guys, for all the celebrities

to experience it because it is such a magical place, and such a massive

part of ballroom dancing. I like seeing the looks on the celebrities

faces. I just could not get over it when I walked in. It is so

beautiful. It is more beautiful than it ever looks on the telly. It is

stunning. It is absolutely amazing. Anastacia and take that sharing the

stage with you tomorrow night. Anastacia or take that? Take that

our wicket. -- Take That our wicket. Anastasia or Take That? Temp

night. Blackpool means rock. We have questions on the rock. What

essentials did you pack? I brought my dance shoes. Very important. You

said you would warm coat. I do have a warm coat. I brought lots of

things. I never go anywhere without snacks. Ballroom aside, what is the

biggest difference between Elstree Studios and Blackpool? The audience.

I think there is more audience and it feels incredible when everyone

cheers, because I think there is double the audience watching in the

studio. That is really cool. It is a heck of an atmosphere. Jay... Who

out of the Strictly family went to bed latest last night. Brian

McFadden was there. He said, come for a drink, and I said, I would,

but it is 2am and I am up at 7:00am. And you were first on the dance

floor. That's right. 7:00am. It felt we are doing a salsa at 7:30am. Show

us your happy face. Smile. Someone give me a croissant. Card, -- Oso or

scampi. I was like to say cod. Who of the Strictly family would

scampi. I was like to say cod. Who bigger screen on the Big Dipper. The

biggest screamer is Kellie, without a doubt. If she does a right order

biggest screamer is Kellie, without she does wrong. That is the same

sound! Thanks for your chat. Enjoy the day and the very best of luck

for the day and the very best of luck

bobble hats. Laura, she has made her own necklace. Look. Her sisters are

so embarrassed, they have hidden. Blackpool has seen some

spectacular routines in the past. I mean, who could forget Anne

Widdecombe getting dragged around Hopefully this year's routines will

be as memorable but for slightly different reasons, so let's see how

our couples are looking in training. I like your necklace. Thank you.

Quickstep training has gone surprisingly well. I feel that I

have done a lot of dances that have prepared me for this one, so I have

done a couple ballroom numbers. I am quite confident in the holds. I have

done some that require fast-food work like the Charleston and

December. It feels quite familiar. In a weird way. I am really enjoying

it. It is fun. This week, we are doing the Charleston. It is

definitely the most difficult choreography we have done. It is

very fast with what's in it. Training has been intense because

there are so many moves. You change Asian steppe every two beats. There

are loads of lifts and splits, so it is a lot to do. We're laughing at

the lifts more than actually doing them. I think I am over my fear of

lifts. I like being upside down, it is so much fun.

This week we are doing a quickstep. You have to really have it in your

bones otherwise if you miss one piece of work, you are thrown off.

The hard thing about it is that your legs are going like the clappers but

the top half of your body is supposed to be elegant. She is going

to have to concentrate hard on that. A lot of good and bouncing. The top

half needs to stay static. That is the routine. It is going to be a

cracking Luckily I know

a man that has all the answers. Bobby, where have you been! I have

missed you very much. Thank you, I'm glad you're back. You

missed you very much. Thank you, I'm memories of Blackpool. We danced

there with Patsy Kensit. Week ate, we danced the Samba to Copacabana.

-- week eight. We should have been in the final. But I have made peace

with that. The Tower ballroom is very iconic but when did it become

so important to ballroom dancing? It has always been important. Blackpool

was the hub of all holiday destinations, not only for people in

the UK but all around the world. People would go to that grand Tower

ballroom, whisk the partners around, and from then on, it started

to build. And then once we started with the British championship, the

biggest competition in the world, it became the hub of ballroom dancing.

People come from all over the world for these championships.

Absolutely. The junior and juveniles, that was still in the

Tower ballroom until not long ago. Now it is in the Winter Gardens. And

there it is, look at that. Each country would send the top two or

three competitors from the country, so the standard of dancing was the

best you would ever see. I have been to the competition before. How do

you cope, because on the dance floor, there are millions of people

dancing at the same time. Does it get vicious? It is all about flawed

craft. You have seen Strictly Ballroom, where they are trying to

get not under each other's feet. With the group numbers, all the

competitors are on the floor at the same time and it is all about not

crashing into each other. How many times did you compete? Over the

years, 18 or 19 times. If only we could see a picture of a young

Robin. Look at him. So much hair. Which

competition was this, do you remember? One of them I was 12. The

one on the right. The one on the left I was 15. That was the first

final I made at Blackpool. Who was your partner? Katherine Marsh. We

are still greatp friends. Do you get to dance together? Not any more. We

still speak all the time. Dance floor at the Tower Ballroom is much

bigger than the Strictly studio. How easy is it for our couples, the

celebrities to adjust? Because it is so vast in side, you want to perform

out all the time but you have to remember you have a camera, you have

to perform to everybody at home. You need to find the balance between

entertaining the audience by performing out to them but also

making sure yu please everyone at home as well. -- making sure you

please everyone at home. How scared will they be? Petrified. The moment

you walk in, the first time you feel the history of everything that has

happened there over the years and it brings a nervous energy on. It is

much bigger than the studio. Even professionals get nervous. Really?

Do the locals love having the competition up there each year? They

love us coming up to Blackpool. We head up to the local coffee shops,

sit down and have a good old cup of tea and get chatting. They love us

being there. It makes Blackpool all lively again. We must say - good

luck, you are doing the Strictly Christmas special who. Is your

wonderful partner? Alison Hammond. You lucky thing. Have you had a

practise? We have, it is a scream. We are having a lot of fun, as you

can imagine. We can't wait for Christmas. You have been away too

long. Don't stay away so long next time. Come back soon. It is Robin.

Let's head back upnorth and see what mischief Gethin is causing now.

Thank you and because we are at the world famous Blackpool. It is only

right the director of choreography pulls out all the stops for Saturday

night. Two big numbers with the celebs. How is it going? Full on. I

think we have never had this many elements in both routines, both the

Saturday and Sunday routine, as big as you can get How much is it

affected by the fact you are here and not in Elstree? Is there a big

difference to what you can do? It is a beautiful building. One of the

most beautiful ballrooms in the world but not made for the

production we want to do. It is difficult to wedge it in. I have

been speaking to some of the pros and celebs about you. They told me

two things - you are absolutely brilliant but you shout a lot, is

that true? Um, no, me? No, no, I do. But it is a rowdy mob. They have a

good time and sometimes being heard over the top of them is pretty

intense. Yes, I lose my voice about once a week. Especially with the two

dances you have, so many people involved and extra dances. More than

50 on the floor at one time. Crazy With the celebs, are you seeing

people excel. There is pressure on them in the competition. How much

focus do they put on the group dances? I think because this is -

since Hallowe'en this is the first time they have all come together as

a group. Making it to Blackpool is such a big thing for the celebs, and

for them to get out there and be a part of the opening number t sets a

tone for the whole night. - it sets a tone I know you have lots of work

to do. I'm really excited. Thank you very much for your time. Good to see

you again Jason and he has just got engaged. Congratulations.

Now we can't talk about Blackpool without some end-of-the-pier-style

However, as you know, here on It Takes Two we like to be

informative as well as entertaining so join us as we play...

This is going to be the finest television you have ever seen.

It's team Mel and Louis verses Team Robin and Louise.

You are going head-to-head in a series of quickfire questions

Each team has one minute to answer as many questions as you can.

If you get one right you get to throw a hoop.

Whoever has the most hoops on the board at the end

Who is thrower? I will be the thrower. Answerer. OK, get in place.

You are going first. Some encouragement from the floor. Roll

up, roll up. All the questions are about Blackpool. She is psyching

herself up. Are you ready? Totally. The minute starts now. This is the

first time Strictly has been to Blackpool. True or false? False.

Right. And he got one. In 20119 Strictly final was broadcast from

the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Who was the winner? 2011? The year

before me. Kara Tointon? No, Harry Judd. What animals can be

seen riding along the beach front Donkeys. Well done, Mel. Oh, he has

missed. What was the lowest score ever given by one of the judges in

Blackpool, 9 or 13? 9. It's actually 13. 13. That's what I

meant to say. Anya and Anton got it in series 8. How many tonnes of

paint does it take to cover the Blackpool Tower. 9 or 15? 15, Zoe.

#12k3w4r they are shouting #: You have gone for 15. 9. She said 9. 9.

#12k3w4r throw. Which blonde extremely talented top of the game

television presenter was born in Blackpool. Zoe Ball.

Another hoop. Well done, Lewis. I tried my best. Can we hear it for

our glamorous ice-cream assistant. Hafshy. Fist time on televichlingts

he is wearing my tights. By the way. Time for team Robin and Louise.

Shall I throw? Yes, I'm not great at sport Because I'm great at it.

Ready, Bobby. Which famous tennis mum left... Judy Murray. Go on Lou.

Which Blackpool amusement park rhymes with... Pleasure beach.

Go on. Which structly judge is the only person who have given a one in

Blackpool? Craig. Here she goes again. I'm really rubbish. The

Blackpool ferris wheel is bigger than the London Eye. True or false.

False. It is. He has it right. Off you go, Louise.

Go on you go. You can always swap. Which Strictly siblings won the

British national junior Latin Championships... Kevin and Jo an. Go

on, Lou. Go on. Yes! A gold for Redknapp. In which year was the

Blackpool Tower room built. Redknapp. In which year was the

1894. 1894. Well done, Lou. ... Which means our winners are -

Mel and Louis. Always a pleasure. You win this prize, which you have

to share - we are so tight. Let's hear it for Harvey. While we

recover from that chaos, let's see what is happening in Blackpool. Well

lob Louise. Zoe you would not believe the amount

of stuff they have had to bring up. All the costumes here. All the work

going on, as we speak. It comes on. Sewing going on. Who is in here, Ola

Jordan. Oh, my favourite. Look, all the girls are here. Jo. Are you

looking for Harry Judd? No, I left him back home.

Come through here. Here she is. him back home.

this Anita's paso dress It is. For tomorrow. This is beautiful. Good.

Have you been working on this since 3.00am? I haven't. I was in the car,

though but everyone else is working really late, all week. They work so

hard. This one wasn't even given a day off on her birthday yesterday.

Everyone shout happy birthday Happy birthday. We will sing. I haven't

got time. Happy birthday, Jane. Have a wonderful time. See you in bai. I

will rock through here. Excuse me. Even more stuff to see through here.

The boys' dressing room. Who do we have? Oh, boys and girls in here.

Hi, guys. How are you doing? Stop texting. I have seen your paso dress

Dramatic. All that mesh and red. Oh, it is really sexy. I can't wait. I'm

ready. I watched a bit of the performance earlier on. It

ready. I watched a bit of the rather wonderful. You are in the

wars, how are you doing and feeling about it? I feel great. We are in

Blackpool. Super excited. It is really different. It feels like you

are in somewhere great but, I just want to get on with it, you know and

do it. Friday is a weird day. Gleb in terms of Blackpool and the dance

floor, I have heard it is a bit different, bouncier, is

floor, I have heard it is a bit Does it cause problems on a Friday?

It is a bit bouncy. I think it is because it is either old or it is

supposed to be like that. But it feels really, really good. It is

really smooth and it is not slippery which is very important for dancers,

you know what I'm talking about. No? Do you know what he is talking

about? It is for people who doesn't have a good balance. We need to have

not slippery floors so we can grip on there. Yes, it is amazing. I have

never been on there. Yes, it is amazing. I have

it is so Bute #i68. The energy you have in the room,

it is so Bute #i68. The energy you incredible. It is your first time.

How is it for you, pro? I feel like it is a different emotion. Everyone

told me it is mazing. I realised today it is really different here.

-- amazing. Is it a bit different to Sicily? Blackpool and Sicily,

really, really close. I mean, the weather is absolutely the same. It's

really hot, like Sicily. You two have been rehearsing this morning H

you have been out and about as well. What have you been doing? We have

been on the Big One. Yes, in these galeforce winds. It was so cold. Yes

I'm feeling it. How does that help with the Viennese waltz? I have no

idea. Apparently it was the quickest way to get here today. We ended up

going back o in a circle. I don't know how that worked out. One thing

I heard you earlier was singing until the corridor, Whitney Houston

everywhere. # I having in,ing in...#

He loves Whitney Houston. I don't know what that was. I have to listen

to this every tie. Torture, torture. That was him singing? It is a big

surprise for tomorrow. Whit any Houston, Viennese waltz, it looked

amazing in rehearsal. Are you looking forward to it? I'm looking

forward to it. I'm coming down from the ceiling. I'm looking forward to

it. It is a beautiful dance. Top of the leaderboard last week. Pressure?

Definite pressure but nice. On that, this year is weird. A lot of people

have been top of the leaderboard and a lot in the bottom two. It is

really wide open. Are you feeling that? Well I have not been at the

top or the... You know, the other end. Don't say the word. There are a

lot of fantastic dancers in this competition. It is Blackpool. We've

got rocks! I know, Georgia it is only done the road for you, Georgia

with your bus pass. Where's Gleb's rock. There is a question on it. How

will you be painting the town red after the show? How will I be doing

that? I'm going to be hanging out with these boys. I'm going to take

Giovanni and Gleb out for a night out in Blackpool. Two northern lasts

and two pro dancers. Georgia, Georgia, you don't even go out, you

just have pizza, every time I pick up a paper on a Sunday, you are just

eating pizza. We don't get to eat that much when rehearsing. It is

such a long way. I'm literally, all on the way home, inhaling food.

Inhail the question on your rock? What reception have you had from the

locals? Quite nice. We have been here since 7.30am, everyone was

still in bed. You haven't seen anyone. Last one. Cod, haddock oar

scampi. I have no idea. Cod, fish and chip Whilst Gleb works out what

that question is about, we'll probably wrap it up. If you don't

fancy anything, you can enjoy your rocks. Have a great time. The best

of luck tomorrow night in Blackpool. Could there be a winner moping that

little group, ladies and gentlemen? It's time to welcome

back three people who love to They say if you both start on either

end. Lady and the Tramp style. Obviously not. Let's talk about

George and Giovanni. A Viennese waltz with an American smooth twist.

Listen to that. Now she is looking absolutely extraordinary, I think,

and the last couple of weeks, don't you think? Pundit, Louise. I think

she has really found her module. She has really got confident and I think

she is just moving around the floor with ease. I think she is going to

the top. We are loving Louise Redknapp the pundit. I have been

watching my husband for too long, clearly! Gleb and Anita are doing

the Paso Doble. I love her because she is a grafter. Don't you agree?

She works so hard. She has not come from a dancing background as far as

I know. And she is a fantastic presenter. And the Shias, looking

amazing. She is brilliant. I would like to win, can I say that? You can

absolutely say that. -- and they are she is, looking amazing. How is her

technique? The Paso Doble is a strong, passionate dance. She needs

to attack it. That is just training but on the night, she needs to go

for it. She has got attack in bags. She has got attack, she has. She

will not be beaten. Let's talk about Tristan and Jamelia. Back in the

ballroom with a quickstep. Let's look. Dancing to the Monkees. I can

spirit. Can she stay out the dance-off? If she goes in this week,

it will be the fifth time. The most ever. Nobody has survived four. She

is amazing. She has got great. I don't think Strictly would be the

same without her. There is a lot of technical dancers but she brings a

real personality to her dancing. She is always Jamelia, she has always

got a lovely big smile and she makes me smile when I watch. I want to

survive because I think she has been a real trooper. I think she looked

relaxed. It is a great dance, the quickstep. It is a bigger floor, and

you can really move around. Sweep around. Lewis, you never got to

dance at Blackpool but you did dance at Wembley. How exciting is the

noise of the crowd? It is scary. When you are training, you have only

got small areas to training and when you get to Wembley, it was a massive

shock. And the voices echo in Wembley. The voices in your head!

Helen and Aljaz are doing the Charleston. I imagine this is going

to be quite good. Flabby hands. What is so good about Helen? Well, she is

a fantastic actress. -- flappy hands. Even in rehearsal, she is in

ruddy character. She dances from the top to the bottom so I think she is

thinking about her feet and her hands when she is dancing. Every

part of her is dancing. That is when you really see somebody take steps

forward, because they become really accomplished. Head to toe. They have

done very well this series, the Charlestons. What do you think about

this one? I think she is fantastic, completely switched on. She is

grafting and I think she will be amazing. Louise, there were rumours

that you and your husband would do the show and we were very excited. I

heard that! Would you ever do the show? I don't know if we would get

Jamie in Lycra or spandex or anything like that, he is such a

bloke. I don't think we would get in doing a step. But I love the show. I

am a massive fan. There is a promise! Low pressure! Who is saying

goodbye this weekend, who do you think is going home? So tough,

because they are all brilliant now. It will be tough for Jamelia because

of previous weeks. And technically, they before Katie as well. There are

others who have moved on. Who is going home this weekend? I think it

might be Jamelia and peaked in the bottom two. Judging from what I have

seen... Dancing to Beyonce?! Who is going home for you? As long as it is

not Anita. It is not that I don't mind, but I don't want her to go

home. Give it up for our panel. For many of

our professional dancers, competing in Blackpool is a right of passage

and when it comes to The Cliftons, People might think Blackpool is an

old seaside town, like Grimsby. With just the arcade and fish and chips.

But the town is the heart of UK ballroom dancing and it is known

throughout the world. For us and our family, Blackpool has been a

magnificent part of our life. Because it was always the biggest

championship in the world. It has given us a lot of memories. We know

nothing else. Watching the videos, and the photos, seeing them in

action, I am very proud. We won three national championships, and

one open World Championships. We used to coming to Blackpool, driving

the car from Grimsby, and we always had a little competition between the

four of us. Who is the first to see the Blackpool Tower? Whoever sees at

first gets 20p. -- sees it first. We would come here and we would be on

the donkey, we would be on the carousel, we would go to the arcade,

we would play bingo on the prom. We loved it. It was more of a holiday,

not just dancing. At an early age, they showed a lot of promise. Ken

and I have been competing here for over ten years. Together, we have

won two British championship titles. It was probably obvious that the

offspring of dancers would be dancers themselves. You can't come

to Blackpool without fish and chips. Isn't it great? Fantastic. Blackpool

has so many good memories, not just dancing. I had my very first proper

kiss in the aquarium. What?! We had our first kiss down there as well.

That's gross! Both ballrooms

That's gross! incredible. The Winter Gardens is

hugely important for us. It has provided the iconic moments in our

lives. And those moments will never be forgotten. When you walk out onto

the dance floor, there is something about it, singles in your spine. The

ballroom, it is a feeling that you cannot describe it. The adrenaline,

the nerves, wanting to do everything so perfectly. It is just a wonderful

feeling. Just to dance on the floor is

something so special. Because wherever we are now, wherever we

have got to come me and Kevin, even on a shoulder extra click on

dancing, are all careers started here. -- even on a show like

Strictly Come Dancing. It has made us the people that we are and given

us huge memories. Blackpool is dance. Temp back. -- Totes emosh.

On Monday's show, we are bringing you the deluxe edition of Ask The

Pros as Dame Karen Hardy will join our

You can submit them via social media using the hashtag #AskITT.

Or if you fancy being on telly, you can send in a video question.

All the info for submitting your videos is on our website.

Right, let's head back to the Tower Ballroom for the final time to

Things are quietening down a little bit now. Rehearsals are coming to an

end. I was stood there, thinking, when this place is full tomorrow

night, and millions of people are watching around the UK, it will be

easy to crumble under the pressure but you know, I think the class of

2015 have got it in the bag. All the celebrities and pros are back in the

hotel now. Jeremy is here, and then they are going to play Eggheads and

go for fish and chips, as you do, in Blackpool.

That is nearly it for tonight. Thank you to my guests and Gethin in

Blackpool. We are gossiping about the Great British Bake Off!

Make sure you watch Strictly from Blackpool tomorrow at 6.50 on BBC1.

I'll be back on Monday with the unlucky couple to

To play us out, from his new album, Shane Filan

# I look at you with frozen eyes, cold as ice

# You wanna bring me back, back to life

# I could be the first to let you in

# I could help you find a place again

# Let me be the one to open up that door

# I could be the first to let you in your heart

# Are you searching for somewhere to hide?

# You know I think I am, but wanna try

# I could be the first to let you in

# I could help you find that place again

# Let me be the one to open up that door

# I could be the first to let you in your heart

# I could be the first to let you in

# Let me be the one to open up that door

# I could be the first to let you in your heart

Join us for a night celebrating our brilliantly diverse music scene,

as the Mercury Prize, in association with BBC Music,

once again recognises the 12 most exceptional UK albums