Karen Leach has spoken of the 'great connection' between her BBC Strictly Come Dancing daughter Ellie Leach and her Italian professional dance partner, Vito Coppola

The 79-year-old presenter and Strictly contestant previously spoke about her 'painful' split from her childhood sweetheart husband.

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden was pictured enjoying the festivities in Blackpool as she joined her co-stars for the annual BBC special just days after revealing her latest health blow

Layton Williams and Ellie Leach found themselves joint top of the leaderboard.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers heaped praise Ellie and Vito's performance that some claimed deserved a perfect score.

The Coronation Street star, 22, and the Italian dancer, 31, have sparked much speculation about the nature of their relationship in recent weeks.

Nigel Harman cut a forlorn figure after the BBC Strictly Come Dancing judges 'undermarked' his performance, prompting co-host Claudia Winkleman to console the actor

She has been partnered with Kai Widdrington on the show this year

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left divided after dancer Layton Williams and his partner Nikita Kuzmin introduced an element to their routine as the celebrities performed in Blackpool this week

Strictly Come Dancing star Craig clapped back at Tess, who was hosting alongside Claudia Winkleman from 6.40pm.

Strictly Come Dancing star Nigel Harman looked unhappy at the scores he was given in Blackpool on Saturday night

BBC viewers have said "poor Nigel" after Nigel Harman appeared deflated and inconsolable at the judges' critiques and feedback during the Blackpool special last night.

Nikita's routine at Blackpool with Layton Williams left some BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans concerned - with Nikita "holding back".

There was a lot of excitement on Saturday night but Nigel Harman and Katya Jones were defended by viewers

Claudia consoled Carlos after he broke down in tears on Sunday's live show in Blackpool, after his routine with Angela Scanlon.

‘Emmerdale’ star won the competition in 2019 alongside Oti Mabuse

The eighth elimination of the season has been leaked online, much to the frustration of fans.

Shirley Ballas called them "creative geniuses" while Craig Revel Harwood issued slight criticism