We know the BBC have people reading this forum, so maybe if enough of us voice an opinion the BBC will take note! I've just been watching the final of series 2 again, and the atmosphere of the Blackpool ballroom is just amazing, it would be fantastic if they could go back for one or two shows in series 5. Please, please, please

I'm adding more please,please, please Amy! The atmosphere is electric in Blackpool !

I live in London, but even I can see how great that place was!! Why haven't they used it again? There's so much Ballroom history there!!

Tower ballroom is a wonderful venue for Strictly. It would be brilliant to have one show from here next series.

It would be amazing to use Blackpool again although I cant imagine its an easy task!!!!!!! maybe that is why they havnt been again!

I am also adding my pleas to the BBC - please use Blackpool again

If not the Tower Ballroom, why not the Empress?

Agreed completely.

I don't think it's likely sadly!
I remember reading somewhere,that apart from the upheaval of moving the whole thing up to Blackpool,it costs them a lot of money,causes a lot of aggravation at the venue....blocking up the street outside etc,and all the equipment outside had to be caged in and on 24hr security watch because of damage by vandals! No wonder they chose to just relocate to a different studio within Television Centre instead!!!

It was splendid while it lasted though wasn't it - the atmosphere was wonderful

I know, I've heard that before somewhere . But it's the BBC, and of all the things they throw money at, surely this would really be worth it. I know it's probably going to take a lot to change their mind, but the more people that show their support the more likely it might happen

That sounds like a good idea!

I recall an announcement made during SCD3 that there would be no shows ( there were 2 in SCD2) from TheTower Ballroom.
There was also an interview with Elaine Fosset , Aled Jones's mother in law , who I believe was connected with the theatre management .

There was general disappointmnet , and I think cost was certainly part of the reason and the logistics of the exercise .

Oooooh they soooo should return to Blackpool!!!!!!!!

A great idea!!

I agree

And me!

I read somewhere that Studio 1 at the BBC was rigged up to do live HD transmissions, so maybe Tower Ballroom isn't suitable for this reason?

They listened!!
woop woop

I've watched all the series and don't remember the final of series 2 coming from Blackpool. I must have a look to see if I can find it among my old tape recordings. Where they film it is at the BBC headquarters so it must be more convenient and cost less then going outside.
Does anyone know what size audience the BBC place holds?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVxxG2AVOCQ

As you can see in the video, the Ballroom is about ten times bigger than the studio.

Oh, yes. Blackpool was a great venue. Much better than the teeny studio.

Thanks Cent, looks a fantastic place with great atmosphere.

The atmosphere from the Blackpool venue was electric, I can't believe the beeb haven't used it since. Makes me hate the use of that poxy little studio at TV centre even more.

Next year they should use that blackpool venue for the quarter final and semi final, and they could use The Royal Albert Hall for the Final. That would be awesome.

I'd love it if they filmed Strictly in Blackpool!!! I'd so be there!

Apparantly they are, 7th of November!

Craig Revel Horwood said either in his book or during an interview, that he and the other judges, together with the dancers, all shared one room for getting changed. He also mentioned that the accommodation in Blackpool they had been given was poor, and Arlene ended up with bed-bugs! The Tower ballroom was a fantastic venue being bigger, but everything else about staging the show in Blackpool was problematic.