´óÏó´«Ã½

´óÏó´«Ã½ One's dance spectacular Strictly Come Dancing is hot-footing it to the spiritual home of all things ballroom as the show decamps to Blackpool for one night only, as part of the sparkling seventh series.

Bringing a touch of old-world grandeur and glamour to the smash hit show, Blackpool's famous Tower Ballroom will play host to a special edition of the programme on Saturday 7 November 2009.

Waltzing their way to the north, hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly will be joined by the nine remaining couples in the competition, as well as the judging panel of Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Alesha Dixon.

Jay Hunt, Controller, ´óÏó´«Ã½ One, says: "It's great that this year Strictly Come Dancing is going back to the home of ballroom. Our night in Blackpool will add extra sparkle to this series."

Blackpool Tower Ballroom originally played host to the popular ´óÏó´«Ã½ series Come Dancing, which was the predecessor for today's hit show.

Strictly Come Dancing has previously broadcast from Blackpool. The last time was the final of series two in 2004, when actress Jill Halfpenny and her dancing partner Darren Bennett were crowned Strictly champions.

Councillor Maxine Callow, Blackpool Council's Cabinet Member for Tourism & Regeneration, said: "Blackpool is absolutely thrilled to be hosting Strictly Come Dancing again and is very grateful to the ´óÏó´«Ã½ for bringing this fantastic spectacle back to the home of ballroom dancing.

"Blackpool's world-famous Tower Ballroom will once again look fabulous on TV and, as November 7th is the last weekend of the illuminations, I'm sure all the dancers and celebrities will enjoy the wonderful atmosphere here."

Michael Williams, Operations Director, Blackpool Tower, said: "It is fantastic news that the ´óÏó´«Ã½ is once again bringing Strictly to the Tower Ballroom. The ballroom will certainly add to the atmosphere and give this year's contestants the opportunity to dance in magnificent surroundings – it really is a welcome return."

RB/KS3