Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool: Tearful Fleur East bags the first FULL marks of the series

Strictly Come Dancing came back to screens on Saturday evening for its ninth live show, marking its epic return to Blackpool Tower for the first time in three years for the programme’s iconic annual trip.

The show opened with a performance from the show’s professional dancers, as they were surrounded by neon signs which read: Blackpool is Back’ – before judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke took to the stage to join in on the dance. 

Fleur East stole the show with her penultimate performance, which saw Craig award his first ‘ten’ of the season – meaning a full 40 out of 40 points for the singer as the other judges followed suit.

While Tyler West and Dianne Buswell made a comeback as they landed in the middle of the leaderboard with 35 points, after finding themselves in the dance-off last week against Tony Adams, who pulled out of the competition due to injury and saved the radio DJ. 

Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool: Tearful Fleur East blows judges away with a Destiny’s Child performance as she bags the first full marks of the series as Tyler West and Diane Buswell make comeback after landing in dance-off

Before taking to the stage, Fleur spoke emotionally on her late father, sharing that he would have ‘burst with pride’ if he was here to see it, adding: ‘Everything I’m doing here, I’m doing for him.’ 

The X Factor star went on to share that her mum and sister would be in Blackpool to support her, after she and partner Vito Coppola topped the leaderboard last week with 39 out of 40 points.

The pair took to the stage in sequin ensembles their Couples Choice performance to Destiny’s Child, which allows the celebrity to perform a dance style of their choice once during the series.

Glitz and glamour: The pair took to the stage in sequin ensembles their Couples Choice performance to Destiny’s Child, which allows the celebrity to perform a dance style of their choice once during the series

High energy: The performance certainly wasn’t short of energy, as Fleur and Vito got the crowd going with their array of moves

Full marks: The performance saw Craig give his first ‘ten’ of the season, meaning a full house for the pair as they recieved 40 out of 40 points from the judges, kicking Helen Skelton, who scored 39 points earlier in the show, from the top spot

Overjoyed: And as they learnt their scores, Vito scooped Fleur over his shoulders into a firemans lift as they were overwhelmed with joy – before the camera panned to Fleur’s mother, who was tearing up.

Jumping into Vito’s arms and wrapping her legs around the pro following the performance, Fleur was emotional following the routine – with Motsi and Shirley offering a standing ovation.

Craig simply kicked off the comments with: ‘One word, three syllable’s beginning with ‘F’, Fabulous!.’ 

While Shirley agreed: ‘It was an iconic routine that will go down in history, you were absolutely phenomenal.’

The performance saw Craig give his first ‘ten’ of the season, meaning a full house for the pair as they received 40 out of 40 points from the judges, kicking Helen Skelton, who scored 39 points earlier in the show, from the top spot.

And as they learnt their scores, Vito scooped Fleur over his shoulders into a fireman’s lift as they were overwhelmed with joy – before the camera panned to Fleur’s mother, who was tearing up.

Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool: Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal opened the show with an American Smooth

Wow! The show opened with an extravagant performance from the professional dancers as they took to the Blackpool stage

Professionals: Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova were among the dressed up pro dancers, putting on a show-stopping performance

Earlier in the show, Hamza Yassin was the first to perform at the iconic ballroom with his partner Jowita Przystal, as the pair took on an American Smooth to Frank Sinatra’s iconic 1979 hit New York, New York.

And it was an impressive start for the pair, as Shirley dubbed the wildlife photographer the ‘one to beat’ as he stepped out in a tailcoat and bowtie ensemble.

‘Hamza, you shone brighter than all the baubles and beads and bangles in the world. You give Blackpool such respect, your footwork, you have dedicated yourself to tiny details. Even though it’s Blackpool, you’re as cool as a cucumber. You’re the one to beat for me,’ said the head judge.

While Anton was ready to jump on stage with them, as he said: ‘People ask if I miss the dancing, that’s the dance that I would’ve wanted to have done. Welcome to Blackpool everyone, outstanding.’

And while Craig typically had some critical feedback, he did dub it ‘spectacular’, sharing: ‘I wasn’t fond of your solo jazz section, but the timing, the footwork and the moves was absolutely spectacular.’

‘It doesn’t matter what they throw at you, you perform with excellence, It shows that you are in complete control of yourself, your partner and this ballroom,’ echoed Motsi.

Opening the show: And it was an impressive start for the pair, as Shirley dubbed the wildlife photographer the ‘one to beat’ as he stepped out in a tailcoat and bowtie ensemble

Looking smart: Jowita looked gorgeous in a feather lined baby blue gown, while Hamze spun her around the stage in a tailcoat

Impressive: Hamza managed to bag a score of 38 as both Craig and Motsi awarded nine points, while Shirley and Anton gave ten

And after Hamza described the performance as ‘an absolute honour’, he managed to bag a score of 38 as both Craig and Motsi awarded nine points, while Shirley and Anton gave ten. 

Molly Rainford and partner Carlos Gu were next to the dancefloor with a Jive to American Bandstand (Bandstand Boogie), as Claudia said they ‘nailed it’.

Anton was quick to agree: ‘Absolutely tremendous. It’s clean, it’s perfectly timed. Keep going like that, great dance – well done.’

‘It needs to be a little bit lighter, obviously you’re dancing next to a professional. But what I love about you is that you absolutely sell the dance,’ said Craig.

Time for a jive: Molly Rainford and partner Carlos Gu were next to the dancefloor with a Jive to American Bandstand (Bandstand Boogie), as Claudia said they ‘nailed it’

Bright: The pair were dressed in matching bright pink ensembles, as it was both of their first times performing at the Blackpool show

Positive comments: ‘Absolutely tremendous. It’s clean, it’s perfectly timed. Keep going like that, great dance – well done,’ said Anton (right)

Respectable: Craig awarded Molly an 8, while she bagged nine points from each of the other judges – putting her behind Hamza with 35 points

Motsi and Shirley also had positive comments for the pair, with the latter sharing: ‘I hope that we all appreciate just how well done that jive was.’

Backstage after the dance, Molly told Tess: ‘We go to Elstree every week and it feels like a TV show, but here it just feels like we’re meant to dance,’ said the star, who is the youngest contestant in the competition, while partner Carlos dubbed the performance a highlight of my life’.

Craig awarded Molly an eight, while she bagged nine points from each of the other judges – putting her behind Hamza with 35 points.

Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima then took on a Paso Doble to a cover of Rihanna’s We Found Love, with the soap star stunning in a bright purple gown as the stage was filled with confetti falling down.

The dance saw the actress have a solo moment at the top of a set of stairs, after dancing with multiple male dancers on the stage in addition to Graziano.

Powerful performance: Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima then took on a Paso Doble to a cover of Rihanna’s We Found Love, with the soap star stunning in a bright purple gown

Time to shine: The dance saw the actress have a solo moment at the top of a set of stairs

Light: ‘When you were alone you were so powerful, you brought power, you brought light. There’s a transformation that’s happening,’ Kym was told by judge Motsi Mabuse

Craig kicked off the comments with some critique, telling Kym :’I thought you could’ve stepped it up more, your right shoulder keeps popping out a little bit. But the way you danced from man to man to man, I really loved it, well done.’

While Motsi said: ‘When you were alone you were so powerful, you brought power, you brought light. There’s a transformation that’s happening.’

‘I felt like you were in warrior mode. But when you’re in frame, everything should be behind the arms. Going forward, keep working on your posture,’ suggested Shirley.

Agreeing with her was Anton, who told the star: ‘I love your dancing because it’s so dynamic and you set such a good dynamic and keep it through the dance. The ladies are absolutely right and it comes from tension, so work on tension because you are brilliant.’

The pair scored eight from Craig, Motsi and Shirley – bagging a nine from Anton as they ended with a score of 33, with Graziano saying he was on ‘cloud nine’ following the dance.

As usual, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman put on a glamorous display, with Claudia donning a feather bust jumpsuit while co-presenter Tess opted for a bright green, fitted dress.

Motown twist: Tyler West and Dianne Buswell were next to take to the dancefloor with a salsa to KC and The Sunshine Band’s That’s the Way (I Like It), with the radio presenter sporting an afro wig for the performance

Difficult: Their dance featured a slew of difficult lifts, with Shirley jesting for viewers ‘not to try this at home’

Tyler West and Dianne Buswell were next to take to the dancefloor with a salsa to KC and The Sunshine Band’s That’s the Way (I Like It), with the radio presenter sporting a mo-town style ensemble and afro wig for the performance.

Motsi described the dance, which featured a slew of big lifts, as ‘beautiful and excellent’.

While Shirley was quick to applaud the difficult lifts, jesting for the public not to try them at home. The head judge added a tip for the radio DJ as she explained: ‘Keeping working on those transitions, because you are a star’. 

But despite the other judges praising his movement, Craig said he wanted to see ‘more movements in the hip’, to the disagreement of his fellow panel. 

With an eight from Craig and a nine from the other judges, Tyler bagged 35 points out of 40 – putting him on par with fellow contestant Molly.

Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe were next up with an American Smooth to Cilla Black’s You’re My World, looking ultra elegant in a cream dress with diamanté detailing.

The romantic dance ended with Ellie looking up over the stage from above in a moving ring, before being lowered back down to hear comments from the judges.

Elegant: Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe were next up with an American Smooth to Cilla Black’s You’re My World

 

All the way above: The romantic dance ended with Ellie lookup over the stage from above in a moving ring, before being lowered back down to hear comments from the judges

 Beauty: Ellie looked ultra elegant in a cream dress with diamanté detailing

Bottom of the board: Ellie failed to top the so far running lead, scoring a seven from Craig and an eight from the other judges, resulting in 31 out of 40 points

Both Motsi and Shirley agreed that the comedian needed to put some more emotion into her performances, with the latter explaining: ‘I would like to see just a little bit more heart. So what you do is you place everything and it’s beautifully placed, but I want to see more soul.’

Anton described her as ‘the belle of the ball’, but advised the star to adjust her head position while dancing, before Craig said her arms were ‘barbie doll like and needed more movement.’

Ellie failed to top the so far running lead, scoring a seven from Craig and an eight from the other judges, resulting in 31 out of 40 points. 

Helen Skelton was over the moon to be in Blackpool, sharing that she often takes her children to the seaside town, which brings ‘amazing childhood memories’. 

Tartan clad: Taking to the stage to dance a quickstep to Amy Winehouse’s Valerie was Helen Skelton with partner Gorka Marquez, she looked sensational in a tartan puffed-out gown

Impressed: And bagging a standing ovation from both the audience and judges Motsi and Shirley, with Anton saying: ‘That is why we come to Blackpool, for that reaction’

Taking to the stage to dance a quickstep to Amy Winehouse’s Valerie with partner Gorka Marquez, she looked sensational in a tartan puffed-out gown.

And bagging a standing ovation from both the audience and judges Motsi and Shirley, with Anton saying: ‘That is why we come to Blackpool, for that reaction.’

But as Craig gave some critique, Shirley got out of her seat to dispute the comments, with her judge saying ‘Shirley sit down’, as she replied: ‘Not at all’.

Craig brought his comments back with a positive spit as he dubbed Helen’s footwork as ‘perfect’, while Shirley admitted that she was left ‘speechless’ by the performance. 

Talkng backstage, her partner Gorka kept rubbing his eyes as Helen jested: ‘It’s not that emotional’, while the pro replied: ‘No, it’s sweat’.

And the quickstep catapulted the Countryfile presenter to second on the leaderboard with 39 out of 40 points, bagging a ten from every judge except Craig, who gave a nine.

Last but not least: Will Mellor and Nancy Xu closed the show by performing a Samba, with Anton describing the dance as ‘hypnotic’ and ‘brilliant’

Bright: The actor donned an electric blue shirt and bright pink trousers for the energetic samba, which is a notoriously difficult routine

Five off: Scoring an eight from Craig and a nine from each of the other judges, Will joined Molly and Tyler with 35 out of 40 points

Will Mellor and Nancy Xu closed the show by performing a Samba, with Anton describing the dance as ‘hypnotic’ and ‘brilliant’.

The actor donned an electric blue shirt and bright pink trousers for the energetic samba, which is a notoriously difficult routine.

And Craig made a dig at Tyler in his comments, telling Will: ‘I’m still reeling from that hip action, I think you need to go backstage and teach Tyler a thing or two.’ 

Scoring an eight from Craig and a nine from each of the other judges, Will joined Molly and Tyler with 35 out of 40 points.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

KYM MARSH

Age: 46

Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter

Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’

ELLIE SIMMONDS 

Age: 27

Profession: Former athlete 

Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’

TYLER WEST 

Age: 26

Profession: Radio DJ

Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’

ELLIE TAYLOR

 

Age: 38

Profession: Comedian

Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’

TONY ADAMS MBE 

Age: 55 

Profession: Retired footballer and manager

Tony says:  ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’

WILL MELLOR

Age: 46

Profession: Actor

Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’

 MOLLY RAINFORD

 Age: 21

Profession: Singer 

Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’

FLEUR EAST

Age: 34 

Profession: Singer

Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’

 HAMZA YASSIN

Age: 35

Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter

Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’

HELEN SKELTON

Age: 39

Profession: TV and radio broadcaster

Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’