Angela Rippon shares her favourite moment from Strictly's Blackpool Special - as the seaside town gears up for the glitzy show's return

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell

Angela Rippon has shared her favourite moments from Strictly’s Blackpool Special last year ahead of the new series heading to the Tower Ballroom this Saturday.

The broadcaster, 80, appeared on last year’s series with professional dancer partner Kai Widdrington and has been reflecting on her time on the show.

As part of a series of throwback stories ahead of the special episode Angela said: ‘Because I had presented Come Dancing from the Tower Ballroom for several seasons, the thrill for me was walking out onto that iconic floor as a dancer and not a television presenter.

‘Experiencing the sheer joy of being in that space, on that amazing floor, that every compeтιтor – amateur and professional – feels whenever they are there.’

She also revealed her order at the chippy, saying: ‘Gluten-free batter on cod!’

Angela Rippon has shared her favourite moments from Strictly’s Blackpool Special last year ahead of the new series heading to the Tower Ballroom this Saturday

It comes as the seaside is gearing up for the show to return there as on Thursday night a Strictly themed illumination lit up the Blackpool Tower to celebrate 20 years of the show

It comes as the seaside is gearing up for the show to return there as on Thursday night a Strictly themed illumination lit up the Blackpool Tower to celebrate 20 years of the show.

As part of the throwback stories Karim Zeroual also shared his favourite memories from Blackpool week in 2019.

The presenter, 31, said: ‘The most memorable part for me was actually making it to Blackpool because I knew how much it meant to my dance partner, Amy Dowden MBE.

‘Blackpool has a special place in her heart since she’s competed there before and dreamed of performing there on Strictly.

‘It was an incredible moment for both of us, and prepping for our Charleston felt different – so much bigger, grander, with a lot more going on than a typical week.

‘And having the other celebs and pros there felt like a school trip, which was a lot of fun.’

It comes after the dances for the show were revealed as the series takes a trip to the Tower Ballroom and the eight remaining couples must do all they can to impress.

For Blackpool week, Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe will bring the heat with a Salsa to Don’t Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston, while Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola will deliver a Couples’ Choice routine to Padam Padam by Kylie Minogue.

The broadcaster, 80, appeared on last year’s series with professional dancer partner Kai Widdrington and has been reflecting on her time on the show

The town is gearing up for the special episode which will be broadcast live on Saturday night

The display lit up the night’s sky

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Skorjanec will bring the drama in a Paso Doble to Torn by Nathan Lanier, and Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell will take on the American Smooth to Jump by Paul Anka.

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas will energise the ballroom with a Jive to The Ketchup Song (Aserejé) by Las Ketchup.

JB Gill and Lauren Oakley will perform a Quickstep to Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley.

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał will add some cheekiness with a Cha Cha to I’m Too Sєxy by Right Said Fred, and Wynne Evans and Katya Jones will perform a spirited Charleston to Carmen Suite No. 1: 5. Les Toréadors by Georges Bizet.

Read More Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool special songs and dances are REVEALED – as an iconic boy band gets set to perform in the Tower Ballroom

Meanwhile the guest performance act for the Blackpool special are none other than the legendary Pet Shop Boys.

On Saturday night, they will open the show with a medley of some of their greatest hits, with the Strictly professional dancers joining them for an opening number.

Then, on Sunday night’s Results Show, they will perform their brand-new single All The Young Dudes.

The highly anticipated professional dancers’ performance at Blackpool’s prestigious Tower Ballroom will feature an Argentine Tango set in a glamorous 1940s H๏τel.

Choreographed by Matt Flint, Leandro Palou, and Maria Tsiatsiani, the routine will showcase the show’s talented professional dancers alongside supporting extra dancers.

Set to the sultry sounds of Tango Jalousie, the performance promises to immerse the audience in a world of vintage glamour and intense pᴀssion.

Strictly Come Dancing: Blackpool Special airs at 6.45pm on Saturday November 16 on BBC One & iPlayer.