The Strictly Come Dancing troupe will sadly once again not make it to Blackpool this year for the hugely popular series special.

In 2020 despite the BBC pulling off the incredible task of keeping Strictly on air the Blackpool episode was pulled due to the difficulties posed by the Covid pandemic.

Hopes were high that this years series would see the return to the seaside town and filming from the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

However it seems that the show's bosses feel that safety is an issue and remaining in London will bring that added security and confidence.

Coronavirus experts have expressed concerns that during the autumn and winter months Covid could spell more trouble.

Executive producer Sarah James told the Mirror: “We’re so thrilled that Strictly will be returning for a full-length series this year, and know how much viewers are looking forward to getting their full Strictly fix and seeing the return of much-loved specials.”

She added: “We are all so sad that we won’t be able to get to Blackpool this year but can’t wait to be back dancing at the one and only Blackpool Tower Ballroom in the future.”

The programme's producers were forced to make an early decision over moving the whole cast and crew up to Blackpool but the good news is everything else is returning pretty much back to normal this year.

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One insider said: “Production had to make an early call on it and sadly couldn’t make it work due to the advanced planning and logistics required plus the uncertainty over the ever-changing Covid protocols.”

The last two series have been won by Oti Mabuse, with partners Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey. Now the South African favourite, who is also a judge on ITV’s The Masked Dancer, may want to make it a hat-trick before she ends her run on Strictly.

There is also hope that the “Clauditorium” at the top of the stairs, where Claudia speaks to celebrities after they finish each dance, will be less lonely for her this year – with more dancers and contestants allowed to join her there at the same time.

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