Key Highlights
- Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams share their memories of performing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
- The returning finalists offer advice to this year’s contestants on how to perform well in the iconic venue.
- Each celebrity dancer discusses their favorite moments and offers tips based on their experiences from previous seasons.
The Return of Strictly Come Dancing: Celebrities Revisit Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams are among the celebrities who have returned to the iconic stage of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom for Strictly Come Dancing’s 2025 results show. Their memories of this legendary venue are as vivid as ever, filled with cherished moments and valuable tips for aspiring dancers.
Ashley Roberts: The Bouncy Floor Returns
Ashley Roberts, a seasoned dancer on the show, speaks excitedly about her return to Blackpool. “It is wild! It’s been seven years since I did Strictly now and I can’t believe I’m back,” she exclaims. “Blackpool is the marker, right? Everybody wants to get there.
It’s truly legendary and iconic.” Roberts highlights how the bouncy floor of the ballroom provides an extra edge during performances: “I want that bouncy floor giving me a little extra something-something on the night!” She also shares her favorite memory from Blackpool—performing the fish and chips diner dance, which she even replicated on tour.
When asked for advice to contestants, Roberts emphasizes the importance of enjoying the experience: “I walked in thinking I can do this. And it soon became very clear that it is much harder than you anticipate it to be. The schedule is tough, the dancing and everything is tough on the body, so you’ve got to just enjoy it and soak it up.” She also gives a quirky tip before performances: “Have a wee before you get sewn in to your costume!”
Danny Mac: A Mix of Emotions
Danny Mac, another veteran of the show, shares his mixed feelings about returning to Blackpool. “It’s a big mixture of emotions,” he says. “The most prevalent one is probably feeling quite physically sick! The excitement, gratitude, and joy of being in the place are overwhelming, but performing again brings out terrifying nerves.” Mac remembers the first time they achieved 40 points together, which was a significant milestone for their partnership.
For contestants, Mac advises: “This piece of advice would be for the whole series, not just Blackpool, but just soak in every beat. Strictly is like nothing you will ever experience in your life.
And utilise all of that and put that into your routine every week, because it’s all about putting on a show and having the time of your life.” He highlights the importance of enjoying each performance: “That was always our mindset. You put in the work on the technicals for the judges and put on a show for the audience.”
Jay McGuiness: A Treasure Trove of Memories
Jay McGuiness, best known for his time as a member of One Direction, expresses his excitement about returning to Blackpool. “I feel I am having flashbacks to pre-show anxiety,” he says. “Like, who gets the chance to come back to Strictly? It’s very rare.” He recalls the group Lindy Hop dance and meeting Peter Kay during their time in Blackpool.
When asked for advice, McGuiness stresses the importance of listening to the music: “Listen to the music. The clues are all in the music.
Every Strictly contestant is on a different journey so they might all need different advice, but always listen to the music.” He remembers his legendary Pulp Fiction Jive with Aliona, which initially seemed unremarkable during rehearsals but turned out to be a standout performance: “All week in the rehearsal I didn’t think there was anything out of the ordinary about that Jive. And we were panicking, because when we did the camera rehearsal in the studio it did not go well. But it all came together on the night.”
Layton Williams: An Honor to Return
Layton Williams, who has previously danced on Strictly, is thrilled about his return to Blackpool. “Oh my gosh I’m so gassed to be back,” he exclaims. “I never thought I’d dance at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom ever again, so to be invited back is an honour.” Williams shares a memorable moment from their time in Blackpool: receiving a 9 from Craig for their Couple’s Choice performance, despite it being a 10.
Williams advises this year’s contestants: “They’re all killing it to be honest, so all I’d say is just enjoy the ride and book yourself a holiday in January—because you’ll have earned it!” He also looks forward to reuniting with his old manager and tour manager for an old-school trio reunion.
The return of these celebrities to Blackpool Tower Ballroom not only brings back cherished memories but also shares invaluable advice with aspiring dancers. As the 2025 series continues, contestants can draw inspiration from their experiences and prepare for what promises to be a thrilling season on Strictly Come Dancing.
