Strictly Come Dancing halted minutes into show as Tess Daly makes announcement

Strictly Come Dancing was halted by host Tess Daly just minutes into the show live from Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Saturday, November 16 for a special announcement.

The show opened with a Pet Shop Boys' routine by the proifessional dancers as the chart-topping duo performed a selection of their songs. Comedian Chris McCausland and his dance partner Dianne Buswell were then the first couple to take to the legendary dance floor to perform an American Smooth to Paul Anka's Jump.

At the end of the dance, which featured six professional dancers alongside them, Tess paused before handing over to the judges and said to Chris: "I know, you're happy with that Chris, rightly so. So well done. And I have a lovely little fact for you - you are our 100th Strictly couple to perform here in the Tower Ballroom."

The pair seemed thrilled by the announcement as the audience cheered before the judges delivered their thoughts. Head judge Shirley Ballas was the first to give her verdict, telling Chris: "Oh my gosh in this iconic ballroom Chris, only the best feet belong on this floor and your feet were the best feet I've seen in a long time."

Anton du Beke described the routine as "exquisite" while Craig Revel Horwood said it was "brilliant". The pair received a score of 37/40 which included two 10s - from Shirley and Anton.

The Blackpool episode came a week after Shayne Ward was eliminated in the dance-off with partner Nancy Xu. The singer and actor ended up in the bottom two alongside Wynne Evans and Katya Jones but the Welshman was eventually saved.

However, the judges were split on their decisions, meaning it was down to to make the deciding vote - and it didn't go down well with fans.

The head judge decided to save Wynne, meaning Shayne and Nancy were sent home. Wynne is now bookies' favourite to exit the ballroom this weekend.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer