Nov 23, 2025, Posted by: Maverick Leclair
Four former Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams are stepping back onto the famed sprung floor of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom — not as contestants, but as returning icons. The surprise appearance, confirmed by Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE) on November 22, 2025, will take place during the live results show of Strictly Come Dancing’s Blackpool specials on Sunday, November 23, 2025. For fans who remember their original runs, this isn’t just a performance — it’s a homecoming. And for Roberts and Mac, the emotional weight is almost unbearable.
Blackpool: The Unspoken Goal of Every Contestant
Ask any Strictly Come Dancing contestant what they’re truly fighting for, and they’ll tell you: it’s not just the trophy. It’s Blackpool. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has been the pilgrimage site of the show since 2004 — a place where technique meets magic, where the floor literally bounces under your feet, and where judges’ scores feel more like a blessing than a rating. Ashley Roberts, who reached the final in 2018, put it plainly: “Blackpool is the marker, right? Everybody wants to get there. It’s truly legendary and iconic.”
Roberts, now 44, recalled her 2018 performance with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev as the night she “got 10s across the board” — four perfect scores totaling 40 points, the highest possible. “That was a huge night,” she told RTE. “I still get goosebumps thinking about it.” Now, she’s back — not to compete, but to relive it. “I want that bouncy floor giving me a little extra something-something on the night,” she added with a laugh. That phrase, casual as it sounds, carries the weight of a thousand dance dreams.
“I Feel Physically Sick” — Danny Mac’s Emotional Return
While Roberts speaks of triumph, Danny Mac, the 37-year-old Hollyoaks actor who made it to the final in 2016, is wrestling with something deeper. “It’s a big mixture of emotions,” he said. “The most prevalent one is probably feeling quite physically sick.”
He’s not exaggerating. Mac, who still gets emotional talking about his first perfect score — “my first 40” — says the thought of returning to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom triggered a physical reaction. “I never thought I’d dance at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom ever again,” he admitted. “So to be invited back is an honour.”
He’s been back to Elstree Studios — the show’s regular filming base in Hertfordshire — to watch the new season. “It’s just pure excitement, gratitude and joy,” he said. “Because they are all the things you get from just being in the place.” That line — “being in the place” — cuts to the heart of why this matters. It’s not about fame. It’s about belonging.
A Night of Nostalgia and Unity
The November 23 performance won’t be a solo act. Each of the four former finalists — Roberts, Mac, McGuiness, and Williams — will revisit their most memorable routines from their original seasons. Roberts will likely reprise her show-stopping Paso Doble with Pasha. Mac will probably return to the Viennese Waltz that earned him his 40. McGuiness, the 2013 champion, might bring back his iconic Charleston. Williams, whose 2021 run dazzled audiences with his charisma, will likely channel the same electric energy.
Then comes the finale: a group routine. Roberts confirmed they’ll dance “with Danny, Jay, Layton and all of the pros.” That means at least three professional dancers — possibly more — joining the four celebrities on the floor. It’s a rare moment. Former finalists rarely return outside of championship reunions. And even then, it’s usually just one or two. Four? With the full professional cast? That’s unprecedented in the show’s 22-year history.
Why This Matters Beyond the Dance Floor
This isn’t just feel-good TV. It’s a statement. In an era where reality shows churn out contestants like factory products, Strictly Come Dancing is quietly reaffirming its soul. These aren’t guests. They’re alumni. They’re proof that the show doesn’t just create stars — it creates a community. Roberts, Mac, McGuiness, and Williams didn’t just appear on a TV show. They lived it. They bled on that floor. They cried in the wings. And now, years later, they’re being asked back — not because they’re famous, but because they mattered.
And that’s what makes this so powerful. In a world obsessed with the next big thing, Strictly Come Dancing is honoring its past. The fact that Mac, a 37-year-old actor from a soap opera, still feels “physically sick” at the thought of returning? That’s not PR. That’s truth. That’s legacy.
What’s Next for Strictly’s Legacy
The 2025 Blackpool special is part of the show’s twenty-second series, airing on BBC One. With ratings still strong and the format holding up, producers may now have a blueprint: invite back a small group of fan-favorite alumni every few years. It’s a risk — some purists might argue it dilutes the competition — but the emotional payoff? Unmatched.
And if Roberts’ and Mac’s reactions are any indication, this won’t be the last time we see them back in Blackpool. “I can’t believe I’m now back,” Roberts said. Mac, still trembling at the thought, added: “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to this.”
Maybe they never will. And maybe that’s exactly how it should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Blackpool Tower Ballroom so special in Strictly Come Dancing?
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has hosted the show’s annual specials since 2004 and is considered the pinnacle of the competition. Its sprung dance floor enhances movement, creating a unique bounce that dancers say lifts their performance. Contestants often cite it as their ultimate goal — not just winning, but dancing there. Ashley Roberts called it “the marker,” and Danny Mac said he never thought he’d return — highlighting its legendary status.
Who are the four returning finalists, and when did they compete?
The returning finalists are Ashley Roberts (2018 finalist), Danny Mac (2016 finalist), Jay McGuiness (2013 champion), and Layton Williams (2021 finalist). Their original runs spanned nearly a decade, making this reunion a rare cross-generational moment in the show’s history.
What does a “40 score” mean in Strictly Come Dancing?
A “40 score” means a perfect 10 from each of the four judges — totaling 40 points — for a single dance. It’s the highest possible score and extremely rare. Danny Mac earned his first 40 in 2016, calling it his favorite moment on the show. Ashley Roberts achieved the same in 2018 with Pasha Kovalev. Only a handful of couples have ever received perfect scores in Blackpool, making it the ultimate validation of a performance.
Why is this reunion considered rare?
Former finalists rarely return to Blackpool unless it’s a championship anniversary or special tribute. Having four alumni from different years — including a champion, two finalists, and a popular runner-up — perform together with current pros is unprecedented. Producers typically bring back only one or two, making this a landmark moment that could set a new precedent for future seasons.
Where is the Strictly Come Dancing show filmed outside of Blackpool?
Outside of the Blackpool specials, Strictly Come Dancing is filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. Danny Mac mentioned visiting there recently to watch the current season, describing the experience as filled with “excitement, gratitude and joy.” Elstree is the show’s primary production hub, where rehearsals, studio recordings, and judge feedback sessions take place.
Will this lead to more former contestants returning in future years?
While not officially confirmed, the overwhelming emotional response from both fans and participants suggests producers may institutionalize this format. With the show entering its 23rd season in 2026, bringing back a small group of beloved alumni every two or three years could become a signature tradition — a way to honor the show’s legacy while keeping its heart alive. The 2025 reunion might just be the start.
Author
Maverick Leclair
Hi, I'm Maverick Leclair, a sports enthusiast with a passion for motorsports. I've spent years honing my expertise in various sporting disciplines, but my true love lies in the adrenaline-pumping world of racing. As a writer, I enjoy sharing my insights and experiences with fellow fans of high-speed pursuits. From Formula 1 to MotoGP, I've got you covered with the latest news, analysis, and in-depth features. Join me as we explore the fascinating world of motorsports together.