BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers 'absolutely gutted' over what 'should have been' in Blackpool special

Strictly Come Dancing fans quickly admitted to being 'absolutely gutted' as the annual Blackpool spectacular got underway. As part of its yearly tradition, the whole show relocated to the seaside town for one weekend only.

The BBC One dance show was broadcast from the town's legendary Tower Ballroom on Saturday night (November 16) and celebrated its 20th year by opening with the professional dancers dancing to the Pet Shop Boys performing a medley of their hits, including It’s A Sin, Suburbia and What Have I Done To Deserve This.

It was then time for the eight remaining couples to take to the famous ballroom floor with their latest performances which they hoped would take them one step closer to the coveted Glitterball trophy set to be handed out in just a few weeks time.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars hit Blackpool for fish and chips, the illuminations and a game of bingo

It was a great night for actress Sarah Hadland and former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri who jointly topped the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard in Blackpool with their performances, for which the judges individually gave them a near-perfect score of 39 points.

Motsi Mabuse described Tasha's intense and dramatic paso doble routine to Nathan Lanier’s Torn, during which professional Aljaz Skorjanec flung her through his legs, as the "dance of the night".

Meanwhile, Sarah and her partner Vito Coppola’s couple’s choice routine to Padam Padam by Kylie Minogue was described by judge Craig Revel Horwood as "a little too perfect". He told them he knew “it sounds weird”, but felt that se lacked emotion, which he felt "brought you out" of the performance at moments.

But it was comedian Chris McCausland opened the show, delivering a classical American smooth routine to Canadian-born singer Paul Anka’s Jump with his partner Dianne Buswell.

Head judge Shirley Ballas told black tie-wearing Chris that he had the “best feet I’ve seen in a long time”, and “didn’t miss a beat”, while Anton Du Beke said “if anyone can beat that tonight, I’d be amazed”. They eearned 37 points from the judges, as co-host Tess Daly said they were the 100th Strictly couple to perform in Blackpool.

Bottom of the leaderboard was reality star Pete Wicks, who danced a cha cha to I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred with professional Jowita Przystal, and opera singer Wynne Evans, who finished his Charleston routine by swinging his partner Katya Jones by her feet.

Anton praised Wynne's dance to Georges Bizet’s Carmen Suite No 1: 5. Les Toreadors for its enthusiasm and commitment, but told him he looked “exhausted towards the end of the dance”. The judges gave them 31 points. Meanwhile, Motsi told Pete she “loved it for all the wrong reasons”, and “wished the dancing had supported it” and the couple received a total of 27 points.

But for Strictly fans there was something - or should we say someone- missing after their emotional exit from Strictly's 20th-anniversary series last weekend. @Suzy_H14 asked: "Who else thinks Shayne should be here. Wrong decision Shirley #StrictlyComeDancing #strictly."

@joy9kat cried: "Shayne should still be there #Strictly." @MJ_JJ061215 commented: "Feel absolutely gutted for Shayne not being at Blackpool this week. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." @heartofsmine wrote: "Shayne should have been there w his mum in audience watching him... #strictly." @ElleRoseex added: "I can’t watch wynne dance knowing that Shayne should be there #strictly."

Actor and signer Shayne and his dance partner Nancy Xu lost their place in the competition following a dance-off with Wynne and Katya. The vote was tied and head judge Shirley Ballas had the casting vote, sparking backlash when she saved the latter couple from leaving the competition.