Jump directly to the content
ballroom blitz

Strictly stars arrive at Blackpool Tower at the crack of dawn for gruelling rehearsals – and give fans a sneak peek

STRICTLY stars have arrived for training ahead of their Blackpool ballroom blitz this weekend.

The pros and their celebs were spotted arriving early for their day of tough rehearsals at the iconic venue.

 Saffron Baker is hoping to stay at the top of the leaderboard this week
25
Saffron Baker is hoping to stay at the top of the leaderboard this weekCredit: PA:Press Association

YouTuber Saffron Barker and her fellow celebs teased followers with sneak peek behind the scenes ahead of the big showdown.

The 19-year-old arrived at the ballroom looking ready for some hardcore training in a Nike T-shirt and sports leggings.

The star was also clutching a laptop and a 'I Love Blackpool' carrier bag as she stopped to sign autographs for waiting fans.

Once inside, she shared a clip of her and Michelle Visage next to a moving graphic of a number ten score.

 Michelle Visage arrived in a leopard print coat and clutching a I Love Blackpool bag
25
Michelle Visage arrived in a leopard print coat and clutching a I Love Blackpool bagCredit: PA:Press Association

The blonde beauty also posted a short clip of the team practising in the legendary ballroom.

Dressed to beat the cold, the celebs and their pro partners looked on good form as they stopped to have selfies with waiting fans.

Michelle was dressed in a fiery leopard print jacket and oversized sunglasses with giant diamante hoops.

A behind the scenes picture showed the RuPaul's Drag Race star posing in the ballroom in a black all-in-one with her arm in the air with the caption "Queen".

 Saffron and partner AJ Pritcahrd have a laugh on the way to rehearsals
25
Saffron and partner AJ Pritcahrd have a laugh on the way to rehearsalsCredit: PA:Press Association
 Emma Barton arrived for training dressed to keep the cold out
25
Emma Barton arrived for training dressed to keep the cold outCredit: Splash News

Karim and pro partner Amy arrived laughing and joking, linking arms and carrying coffees.

The TV presenter was wrapped up in a beanie hat to hide from the bitter cold as the pair wore matching black coats.

Emma Barton arrived looking cheery as she prepared to practise with her partner Anton Du Beke.

 Blonde bombshell Nadiya arrived on her own since crashing out of the comp
25
Blonde bombshell Nadiya arrived on her own since crashing out of the compCredit: PA:Press Association

Pro partner Anton has never been this far in the competition, having always crashed out in the early rounds.

EastEnders actress Emma looked cosy in brown Ugg boots, large black coat and topped it off with a Gucci handbag.

 Anton Du Beke is dancing for the first time at this stage of the competition
25
Anton Du Beke is dancing for the first time at this stage of the competitionCredit: PA:Press Association
 Graziano Di Prima looked dapper in black as he arrived at the ballroom
25
Graziano Di Prima looked dapper in black as he arrived at the ballroomCredit: PA:Press Association
 Husband and wife Aljaz Skorjanec and Jeanette Manrara kept each other warm
25
Husband and wife Aljaz Skorjanec and Jeanette Manrara kept each other warmCredit: PA:Press Association

Blonde beauty Nadiya Bychkova arrived on her own since losing out in the competition with footballer David James.

Husband and wife pros Aljaz Skorjanec and Jeanette Manrara arrived, hugging each other to keep warm.

Jeanette was wrapped up in a warm head scarf as she cosied up to her partner.

 Karim and Amy arrived laughing and smiling
25
Karim and Amy arrived laughing and smilingCredit: Splash News

Partnerless Kevin Clifton arrived wearing a Rock of Ages hoodie, black beanie and grey jacket while carrying a coffee.

The pro dancer, who's dating Stacey Dooley, took over from injured Neil Jones for a few weeks and partnered up with footie star Alex Scott.

Dancer AJ Pritchard looked pretty in bright pink as he arrived ready to turn heads in the eye-popping hoodie.

 AJ Pritchard turned heads in a bright pink hoodie
25
AJ Pritchard turned heads in a bright pink hoodieCredit: Splash News
 Gorka Marquez arrived giving the peace sign
25
Gorka Marquez arrived giving the peace signCredit: Splash News
 Nancy Xu making her way to the dancefloor
25
Nancy Xu making her way to the dancefloorCredit: PA:Press Association
 Red haired Dianne Buswell looking chipper in orange
25
Red haired Dianne Buswell looking chipper in orangeCredit: Splash News

Gorka Marquez arrived with a big smile on his face, waving the peace sign about.

Although he wasn't partnered with anyone this year, he said he didn't mind as he was able to spend more time at home with girlfriend and former Strictly star Gemma Atkinson and their new baby.

 Gethin Jones arrived with a smile on his face
25
Gethin Jones arrived with a smile on his faceCredit: Splash News
 Kevin Clifton arrived wrapped up in a hoodie and carrying a coffee
25
Kevin Clifton arrived wrapped up in a hoodie and carrying a coffeeCredit: Splash News

Kelvin Fletcher and pro partner Oti Mabuse arrived together looking ready to rock and roll.

The Emmerdale star was wearing a number 11 on his sports top.

Having smashed the leaderboard on numerous occasions, perhaps he's hoping to get one better than a ten and get an eleven instead!

 Kelvin Fletcher and partner Oti Mabuse arrived together
25
Kelvin Fletcher and partner Oti Mabuse arrived togetherCredit: Splash News

Earlier, Michelle Visage shared how excited she was with her fans, writing on Instagram: "Friends headed to BLACKPOOL! Yaaaaassss," as the team made their way up on the First Class train carriage.

Posing from the carriage, the celebrity dancers and professionals waved their hands in the air and beamed as they set off from London.

 Alex Jones and partner Neil Jones arriving together ahead of the weekend's action
25
Alex Jones and partner Neil Jones arriving together ahead of the weekend's actionCredit: Splash News
 Katya Jones arrives after crashing out of the contest last week with Mike Bushell
25
Katya Jones arrives after crashing out of the contest last week with Mike BushellCredit: Splash News
 Karen Hauer arrived at the ballroom ready to dance with partner Chris Ramsey
25
Karen Hauer arrived at the ballroom ready to dance with partner Chris RamseyCredit: Splash News

All the celebrities were desperate to make it to week nine so they could perform on Blackpool's famous stage.

Last weekend BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell and his dance partner Katya Jones got the boot and just missed out on the trip after ending up in the dance-off yet again.

Strictly’s Mike Bushell and Katya Jones leave show with hilarious last dance
 Saffron Baker and Michelle Visage in Blackpool ahead of the show
25
Saffron Baker and Michelle Visage in Blackpool ahead of the show
 Michelle was seen rehearsing in the iconic ballroom
25
Michelle was seen rehearsing in the iconic ballroomCredit: Instagram
 The Strictly gang preparing for the live shows
25
The Strictly gang preparing for the live shows
 Behind the scenes in the Blackpool ballroom
25
Behind the scenes in the Blackpool ballroomCredit: Instagram
 Dianne behind the scenes at Strictly
25
Dianne behind the scenes at Strictly
 YouTuber Saffron gives fans a sneak peak of rehearsals
25
YouTuber Saffron gives fans a sneak peak of rehearsalsCredit: Instagram

Saffron and pro partner AJ Pritchard were happy at the top of the leaderboard, followed by Michelle and Giovanni Pernice.

But Michelle ended up in the dance-off against Mike and luckily got saved by the judges.

This week The Sun revealed Michelle has been "deeply unhappy" on the show after clashing with her partner.


Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


Topics