THE Wurlitzer organ serenades us as we make our way into the gold-dipped ballroom where elegantly dressed people are practising their ballroom steps. Tables loaded with finger sandwiches and chunky…

The stars of the BBC One dance contest have headed to Blackpool for the show's special

Helen and Gorka will be performing a quickstep to Valerie by Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse on Saturday night

CBBC star Molly Rainford has been linked with two stars of the show

The Elvis inspired rock 'n' roll duet did not go down very well

The pro as well as other Strictly Come Dancing stars were enjoying a meal out ahead of the BBC show this weekend in Blackpool.

Strictly Come Dancing: Blackpool Special (BBC1, 7.45pm)

Gemma has shared the sweet moment her daughter met her favourite Strictly star in Blackpool - and it's not Gorka Marquez

“That was so magical, I couldn’t take my eyes off of it – it has made me feel like Christmas is coming.”

Rose, who won Strictly Come Dancing last year, opened up on ITV This Morning.

Anton, who is one of four judges used by the show, promoted his and Giovanni Pernice's special Children in Need performance, which airs tonight.

Reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis has predicted who will win the BBC show this year

With the dancers set to perform in Blackpool this week, an unlikely competitor is now leading the race for the Glitterball Trophy.

Strictly heads to the north west this weekend for its new episode.

Helen Skelton and her family have spent years visiting Blackpool for a long weekend away

"Now time to do it at the Blackpool Tower ballroom."

Hamza is preparing for Blackpool this weekend but before that, he took time out to wish his brother a happy birthday

Shirley wrote: “My dearest Len where do I start. I’m in awe of you, not only as my past teacher, but also for all the years of service you have given to Dancing With The Stars and Strictly."