Just minutes after Strictly Come Dancing went live from the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Saturday, November 16, host Tess Daly interrupted the show for a significant announcement.
The night kicked off with the professional dancers delivering a tribute to Pet Shop Boys, performing to a medley by the iconic music duo. Comedians Chris McCausland and partner Dianne Buswell were the first pair to hit the renowned dance floor with an American Smooth to Van Halen’s classic Jump.
After their performance, which included six pro dancers in the routine, Tess excitedly revealed to Chris: “I know, you’re happy with that Chris, rightly so. So well done. And I have a lovely little fact for you – you are our 100th Strictly couple to perform here in the Tower Ballroom.”
The revelation was met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience as they awaited the judgements. Head judge Shirley Ballas led the praise, saying to Chris: “Oh my gosh in this iconic ballroom Chris, only the best feet belong on this floor and your feet were the best feet I’ve seen in a long time,” reports the Mirror.
Anton du Beke lauded the dance as “exquisite” and Craig Revel Horwood described it as “brilliant” The stellar performance earned them a score of 37/40, complete with two perfect tens from Shirley and Anton.
The Blackpool episode followed a week after Shayne Ward was sent packing in the dance-off with partner Nancy Xu. The singer and actor found themselves in the bottom two alongside Wynne Evans and Katya Jones, but it was the Welshman who was ultimately saved.
However, the judges were divided on their decisions, leaving it to Shirley Ballas to cast the deciding vote – a move that didn’t sit well with fans.
The head judge opted to save Wynne, resulting in Shayne and Nancy’s departure. Wynne is now the bookies’ favourite to leave the ballroom this weekend.
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer