Strictly Come Dancing 'will return to the iconic Blackpool Tower ballroom for the first time in three years' as BBC prepares to mark 20th series

Strictly Come Dancing is set to waltz back to the iconic Blackpool Tower ballroom for the first time in three years, according to local reports.

The BBC competition axed the dazzling annual extravaganza, from the seaside resort, during the coronavirus pandemic which forced bosses to introduce restrictions. 

However, though it is a few months until the show will return to Blackpool in November, staff at the venue and nearby hotels nearby have been told to prepare for the influx of dancers and celebs.  

Exciting: Strictly Come Dancing is set to waltz back to the iconic Blackpool Tower ballroom for the first time in three years

Exciting: Strictly Come Dancing is set to waltz back to the iconic Blackpool Tower ballroom for the first time in three years

This year will mark Strictly's 20th series and producers are pulling out all the stops to ensure this series is the most spectacular. 

A TV insider told The Sun: 'Blackpool week is such an important part of Strictly and everyone was gutted not to be able to go for the last two years.

'The production team are working out the logistics but everyone is feeling really hopeful that the show will be able to return there for 2022.

Iconic: The BBC competition axed the dazzling annual extravaganza during the coronavirus pandemic

 Iconic: The BBC competition axed the dazzling annual extravaganza during the coronavirus pandemic

'And the fact that it will reach the landmark 20th series makes it all the more important.'

Since 2013, Blackpool ballroom has had an annual slot in the BBC show where the celebs get to perform under the dazzling lights.  

The dancing show, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, might also see a full audience watching the celebs perform for the first time since Covid. 

Amazing: However, though it is a few months until the show will return to Blackpool in November staff at the venue and hotels nearby have been told to prepare

Amazing: However, though it is a few months until the show will return to Blackpool in November staff at the venue and hotels nearby have been told to prepare

Strictly is set to return to screens this autumn, with a star-studded lineup undoubtedly being secured in the lead up.

And it seems the dancing show have their sights set on Steph McGovern, as they are keen to get her locked in for the new season.

The news comes as the Channel 4 presenter, 40, has previously admitted to turning down the chance to star in the show. 

Not long to go: The 20th series is set to return in the autumn, with a star-studded line-up being selected and finalised with the iconic Blackpool ballroom in the celebs sights

Not long to go: The 20th series is set to return in the autumn, with a star-studded line-up being selected and finalised with the iconic Blackpool ballroom in the celebs sights

 A TV insider told The Sun: 'Steph has the personality and profile which makes her a perfect choice in the eyes of Strictly producers.

'They completely understood why she’s had to say no in the past. She was just establishing Packed Lunch on Channel 4 and wanted to give that her complete attention.' 

'But now it is a firm fixture in the schedules. It was nominated for a BAFTA earlier this year and only last month it was announced it had been recommissioned and will run into 2023,' they explained.

In demand: Strictly Come Dancing producers are 'keen to bag Steph McGovern for the next series of the show'

In demand: Strictly Come Dancing producers are 'keen to bag Steph McGovern for the next series of the show' 

However, Steph could be a tough nut to crack - as the daytime TV personality has already turned down Strictly multiple times.

Speaking in 2020, the star explained that she was too busy to appear on the dancing show at the time: 'I have actually been asked a couple of times,' she explained.

Continuing: 'I got asked again this year but obviously I had a show to launch.'

Busy: 'They completely understood why she’s had to say no in the past. She was just establishing Packed Lunch on Channel 4 and wanted to give that her complete attention,' said the insider

Busy: 'They completely understood why she’s had to say no in the past. She was just establishing Packed Lunch on Channel 4 and wanted to give that her complete attention,' said the insider

But not ruling out an appearance, the presenter said she would 'maybe' do it in the future, when quizzed by a guest on her show.

If she was to appear, Steph would be following in the footsteps of her Packed Lunch co-star John Whaite - who appeared on the show last year.

The chef was a hit with viewers, as he appeared in the first all-male partnership of the show, with pro Johannes Radebe.

John and Johannes' partnership even bagged the gong for Media Moment at this weeks LGBT awards, following the stint.

Pals: If she was to appear, Steph would be following in the footsteps of her Packed Lunch co-star John Whaite - who appeared on the show last year (pictured on the show with pro partner Johannes Radebe)

Pals: If she was to appear, Steph would be following in the footsteps of her Packed Lunch co-star John Whaite - who appeared on the show last year (pictured on the show with pro partner Johannes Radebe)

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