BBC Strictly fans all say the same thing as Blackpool show opens with music legends' set

Saturday night saw the return of the glamour and spectacle of Strictly Come Dancing, with the show broadcasting live from the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The previous week's episode had ended in a tense dance-off between Wynne Evans and Shayne Ward, with Shayne ultimately being eliminated after head judge Shirley Ballas cast the deciding vote.

But this week the action was transferred to Blackpool and the professional dancers, clad in dazzling silver outfits, kicked off the programme with a high-energy musical routine, a departure from the usual format of starting with the celebrity performances.

The Blackpool special also featured a surprise appearance by The Pet Shop Boys, who performed a medley of their greatest hits while dressed in matching attire.

The performance sparked a flurry of reactions on Twitter, with many viewers expressing their amazement. One fan exclaimed: "Pet Shop Bots were incredible."

Another tweet read: "The legendary #Petshopboys Pet Shop Boys icons open @bbcstrictly at Blackpool. Fantastic," reports the Mirror.

One viewer said: "Loved the start of tonight's #Strictly. The Pet Shop Boys have a great back catalogue."

Another fan remarked: "Wow! Best opening yet and finally great musical guests. Love The Pet Shop Boys! Wish they could have the show at Blackpool every week too. My fav week."

A tweet from a dedicated follower read: "It doesn't get much better than The Pet Shop Boys #PetShopBoys opening the very special week of Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Strictly."

And another fan couldn't contain their excitement: "PET SHOP BOYS on Strictly best opening of the show ever.! ! That enjoyable short performance brought back so many and amazing memories."

Following their performance, the remaining Strictly contestants took to the dance floor with the professionals as confetti cascaded from above.

The live audience responded with thunderous applause once the medley concluded.

Claudia Winkleman, hosting the evening, extended her gratitude to The Pet Shop Boys and the choreographers for an outstanding start to the show.

The Pet Shop Boys are set to grace the Strictly stage again, performing their new single 'All The Young Dudes' during Sunday night's results show.

Kicking off Blackpool Week's performances were Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, delivering an American Smooth to Paul Anka's Jump.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer