Quick Read
- Ashley Roberts returned to Strictly Come Dancing for Blackpool Week, performing alongside fellow past finalists.
- Roberts revisited her iconic jive from the 2018 series, expressing nerves and nostalgia about returning.
- The show also featured Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams, each revisiting their memorable routines.
- Drag queen La Voix exited the competition due to injury, leading to the cancellation of the dance-off.
- The current Strictly competition continues with six remaining contestants and upcoming changes to hosting roles.
Ashley Roberts and Strictly’s Legendary Blackpool Reunion
It’s the kind of moment that fans of Strictly Come Dancing circle on their calendars: Blackpool Week. The Tower Ballroom, with its storied sprung floor and sparkling lights, has always been more than a venue—it’s a rite of passage, a memory-maker, and, for many, the emotional heart of the series. This year, it wasn’t just the current contestants who stole the spotlight. The show staged a remarkable reunion, bringing back four finalists whose performances still echo in fans’ minds: Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams.
Iconic Dances Revisited: The Finalists Return
The reunion wasn’t just a walk down memory lane—it was a celebration of what makes Strictly so enduring. Ashley Roberts, the Pussycat Doll who reached the finals in 2018, returned to the dance floor to revisit her iconic jive. Joined by Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac (finalist, 2016), The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness (winner, 2015), and Bad Education’s Layton Williams (finalist, 2023), the quartet delivered a medley performance choreographed by Jason Gilkison. The dance blended elements of their most memorable routines: Jay and Ashley’s electrifying jives, Danny’s celebrated samba, and Layton’s showstopping quickstep.
Roberts confessed to a mix of nerves and nostalgia as she stepped back into the spotlight. “I was so nervous until one of the pros grabbed my hand and just started jive kicking,” she said in an interview quoted by Hello Magazine. “And I just thought, what is it? What is my body supposed to do? But I got there and it’s coming back! It was stored in the memory with a lot of cobwebs around it that we needed to clean out, but it was in there somewhere.”
Danny Mac echoed the sentiment, describing the reunion as “a big mixture of emotions. The most prevalent one is probably feeling quite physically sick!” His words hint at the pressure and excitement that comes with returning to a stage that holds so much personal and professional significance.
Strictly’s Emotional Farewell: La Voix’s Exit
While the return of past finalists was a highlight, Blackpool Week was also marked by an emotional farewell. Drag queen La Voix (Christopher Dennis) was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a foot injury. Her exit meant there was no dance-off, and the judges’ scores and viewer votes would roll over to the following week.
La Voix’s final moments on the show were both understated and iconic. Sitting with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and her professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec, she reflected on her journey with gratitude and a touch of humor. “This has been the most extraordinary experience of my entire life, it really has,” she said during the interview. “What have I loved most, don’t hate me, but it’s not been the dancing. It’s just been welcomed on this show with the most amazing warmth from everyone.”
The farewell performance saw La Voix suspended on a giant pink love heart, a visual metaphor for the affection and admiration she earned throughout her time on Strictly. Fans, according to Yahoo News, flooded social media with messages of support and appreciation. “Lovely send-off for La Voix – such a shame she had to go out on an injury,” wrote one viewer, while another added, “Huge well done to @LaVoixTheShow and @AljazSkorjanec, you have both been amazing and you will be missed.”
Behind the Scenes: Memories and Milestones
For Ashley Roberts and her fellow returning finalists, Blackpool Week was more than a guest appearance—it was a chance to reconnect with the energy and camaraderie of Strictly. Jay McGuiness recalled the intensity of his own iconic jive with Aliona Vilani: “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. I was like, well, that’s my last chance! But it all came together on the night.” He described the audience’s reaction as an “out-of-body experience,” a testament to the impact that live performance can have.
Layton Williams, the most recent finalist, summed up the mood: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back on THE most iconic dance floor there is. Blackpool brings back so many fab memories and it’s a true honour to be invited back.”
These reflections offer a glimpse into why Strictly endures. It’s not just about winning the glitterball trophy; it’s about the friendships, the personal growth, and the shared moments of joy and vulnerability. Roberts herself has spoken in past interviews about how the show pushed her beyond her comfort zone, helping her to grow both as a performer and as a person.
What’s Next for Strictly and Its Stars?
The current season continues with six celebrities still vying for the glitterball. With La Voix’s departure, the competition tightens, and speculation grows about future changes—including who might step into hosting roles as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman prepare to step down at the end of the year.
For the returning finalists, Blackpool was a full-circle moment—a reminder of where they started and how far they’ve come. For Ashley Roberts, the experience was tinged with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. “It was stored in the memory with a lot of cobwebs around it that we needed to clean out, but it was in there somewhere,” she said, capturing the bittersweet thrill of revisiting a dance that defined her Strictly journey.
The show also featured a live musical performance by Lewis Capaldi, whose song “Something in the Heavens” accompanied a heartfelt routine by the professional dancers, adding another layer of emotion to an already charged evening.
Strictly continues next weekend, promising more drama, dazzling routines, and perhaps a few more surprises as the 2025 series draws closer to its finale.
Ashley Roberts’ return to Strictly’s Blackpool ballroom was more than a reunion—it was a testament to the enduring spirit of live performance, the power of shared experience, and the way a single dance can weave together years of memories. The emotional highs and lows of this week’s show prove that Strictly remains, above all, a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and the magic of movement—both for those who compete and those who return to remember.