Strictly stars battle the wind as they head out of the Blackpool ballroom to a wrap party

STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Class of 2024 had a lot to be celebrating after their all-out night at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

But unfortunately for them they got a bit windswept as they made their way to the afterparty.

While the group were ready to let their hair down, the gang were caught up in the breeze, forcing them to wrap up and keep their heads low as they made their way to their taxis.

Pete Wicks struggled to keep his beanie on as he traded in his PVC pink trousers for far more comfy tracksuit bottoms and Uggs.

Dance pro Jowita came up close behind, clutching a bouquet of red roses as she wrapped up in a coat.

Tess looked glittering in a gold coat as she left the ballroom, beaming to cameras before getting in her car.

Chris McCausland cuddled up to pro Dianne Buswell for the cameras, both of them unable to keep the smile off their faces after dazzling viewers with their American Smooth.

Wynne Evans, who tackled a Charleston with pro partner Katya Jones, traded in his marionette-style costume for a white shirt and matching jean jacket.

Katya was later spotted arriving at the afterparty in the back of a cab, waving to those waiting for her.

JB Gill was caught squinting as it began to rain as he made his way to the event, keeping within the week’s theme with an “I heart Blackpool” jumper to keep him warm.

Viewers will find out tonight who got sent home from the landmark episode, which saw Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri come top of the leaderboard with 39 points each.

Pete and Jowita landed at the bottom, after their cha cha to I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred didn’t impress the judges.

However, they did still manage to get two eights from Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas, which prompted viewers to accuse them of favouritism.

Some, including former pro James Jordan, called for the judges to be replaced as they were giving out inappropriate scores.

But speaking to The Sun, Shirley ignored the critiques, and said: “You know, I’m not going anywhere as long as the BBC would like to have me.”

“I judge without fear or favour,” she firmly added.

“I’m just someone who sits in that chair as head judge to stay in my lane and judge the dancing — legs, feet, body co-ordination, synchronisation and chemistry between the leader and the follower.”