STRICTLY Come Dancing’s most anticipated week has been shrouded in drama after a murder in Blackpool.
An investigation has been launched after a man in his fifties was found dead on Sunday – just as the BBC talent contest descended on the town.
The news has meant the town has leapt into action to ensure everybody’s safety.
A source said: “It’s the pinnacle of the show but it’s really been clouded by this tragic murder.
“The streets have been filled with police and forensic teams.
“Everybody has been on high alert. Blackpool Tower also has extra security just to ensure all the stars feel safe.”
Stars heading in to Blackpool week already face extra challenges.
Contestants are not only dealing with the usual demands of learning a new routine, but also face extra travel, filming, and they lose a day in the rehearsal room due to the logistics involved.
Ex-Strictly pro Brendan Cole told us the stars won't get a day off this week as they head to the iconic seaside resort.
He said: "It's a big build-up, then there's the reality of going and the hard work that's put in as well as the no sleep!
"It's all really rather demanding. You tend to lose a day's training due to travel.
"They would have been in rehearsals for the big group dance on Suday just gone, which is always very big and fatigue takes its toll with no day off."
Strictly has been approached for comment.
Famous faces arriving in Blackpool this week include comedian Chris McCausland, JLS star JB Gill, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri and Towie star Pete Wicks.
Rounding out the Blackpool line-up are Gladiators' Montell Douglas, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, actress Sarah Hadland and opera singer Wynne Evans.
It comes amid claims Sunday's result was fixed to ensure Wynne made it to Blackpool.
Viewers said "Shirley and Anton got it wrong" after hearing the judge's reasons for sending Coronation Street star Shayne Ward home.
Brendan told The Sun that Wynne’s noticeable missteps were also overlooked, especially with the Blackpool show approaching where only the most refined dancers get to shine.
He pointed to a major error he believes should have factored into the head judge’s decision, saying Wynne's dance wasn't as polished as she suggested.
Brendan also tore into Shirley for saving the opera singer.
He said: “Shirley saying Wynne Evans’ number was a bubblier performance — well of course it was. That goes with the dance.
“The dances were fairly close, but the only thing that stood out is that Wynne went off time a lot.
“That is supposed to be the first fundamental.
“The first thing I learnt as a 7-year-old is you’ve got to be in time and on the right rhythm.”
