Strictly Come Dancing’s biggest off-camera scandals in Blackpool – from professional dancer who was beaten to horrific theft

STRICTLY Come Dancing returns to Blackpool for another iconic episode in the seaside town, and fans can’t wait.

It’s the iconic glamor show that every celebrity wants to be a part of, after Strictly first appeared in 2004, for the third episode of the series.

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A year later, in 2005, the final took place in the Tower Ballroom and the rest is history – it’s the sensational Strictly fix that makes fans swoon every year.

But that’s not to say Blackpool’s editions of Strictly haven’t been without off-screen controversies.

In fact, from Gorka Marquez’s loss of two teeth to a trashed celebrity dressing room, the show has been overwhelmed by off-screen scandals in recent years.

Here’s a look at the biggest scandals to hit the Golden Mile when the BBC show was in town…

Strictly theft

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In 2013, a robbery took place while celebrities and pros were in Blackpool.

Items allegedly seized included jewelry, an iPad and a phone, all stolen from a dressing room used by Strictly stars.

Police did not say who the items belonged to and detectives appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward.

At the time, a police spokesperson said: “We are investigating a robbery which occurred at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.

“It was reported to us at around 21:45 GMT that some items had been stolen from a changing room inside the building. Officers are investigating the theft and are carrying out a number of inquiries to trace the person(s) responsible.”

Gorka involved in attack

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In 2016, the Spanish professional dancer ended up losing two teeth in the fight, which police said was random and unprovoked.

Speaking to X, the star said: “Thank you for all your kind messages and support about Blackpool. It was a bad experience but I feel better and just want to look forward to the show on Saturday!”

Gorka was ambushed as he headed to a nightclub in Blackpool with fellow entertainers Aljaz Skorjanec and Neil Jones.

Hours earlier, he had teamed up with fellow professional Janette Manrara in a routine to Rick Astley’s seminal 1987 hit Never Gonna Give You Up.

At the time, a friend told The Sun: “Gorka and a few other dancers were heading to a nightclub to leave their hair after another brilliant show.

“All of a sudden this group of local thugs came out of nowhere.

“One of them hit Gorka in the face and knocked out two of his teeth.”

The friend said neither Gorka nor his colleagues made contact with the gang before the attack.

They said: “Gorka was sober, he doesn’t drink.

“This was a completely random and shocking attack on a group of friends who were just trying to enjoy a night out.

“He wasn’t angry, he was just more shaken by the event.

“They went straight back to the hotel to see if he needed urgent medical attention before returning to London for dental surgery.”

Johannes’ reaction after comparing Blackpool to a ‘squatter camp’

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In 2018, Strictly star Johannes Radebe sparked a backlash by comparing Blackpool to a “squatter camp”.

The South African star dancer had never been to the city, but said fellow professionals had “warned” him what to expect when the series was filmed there.

Speaking to the Mirror, Johannes revealed he was excited about his first trip to the city as he grew up admiring the Blackpool Dance Festival.

However, he said his Strictly co-stars told him: “You shouldn’t expect much.”

Johannes went on to say that the dancers said of the city: “Apparently… they’re like squatter camps.”

The term is used to refer to the slums of his native South Africa, where residents live in terrible poverty.

Many Blackpool business the owners hit back at Johannes’ remarks.

Karl Myhill, of Tiffany’s Hotel in the city, said: “I am shocked by these comments.

“Blackpool is a fabulous traditional seaside resort. »

Linda Nolan, who lives in Blackpool, told the Mirror: “They have a bad impression of Blackpool.

“The dancers didn’t ask the right people to show them around.”

The dancer apologized and insisted he meant no offense.

He said: “I am truly sorry for any offense I may have caused to the people of Blackpool.”

Party ban

In 2019, Strictly Come Dancing stars threw a wild party after their performances at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Celebrities and professional dancers let loose in spectacular style on Saturday – and even stayed up partying until 5am.

Co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman danced with glasses of champagne in hand.

Claudia was then spotted drink a bottle of tequila while walking down the hallway.

Strictly champion Stacey Dooley joined her boyfriend Kevin Clifton, sharing a smiling photo while wearing a sparkly dress.

And the hotel party was allegedly organized by show bosses to stop pros and celebrities going out to Blackpool over fears for their safety.

A behind-the-scenes source told The Sun: “There have been a few problems in the past so bosses decided to take action and banned the stars from going into town after the show.

“To soften the blow, they agreed to have a party at the hotel where they are all staying. It’s safer and means they can be properly looked after at all times and enjoy the night without worries .

“They have put in extra security to make sure there are no problems while the show is taking place away from its usual venue, Elstree Studios.”

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