Strictly fans say 'oh dear' and issue complaint minutes into Blackpool Special

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing appeared to share the same opinion minutes into the Blackpool show.

The highly anticipated dance programme returne on Saturday in stunning Blackpool, where the remaining eight celebrities competed for their place in the dance compeition. With presenter Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly at the helm, the show was in full swing.

But viewers couldn't help but point out Claudia's flamboyant gold gown. Her stunning dress included large sleeves and tasseld that draped down.

Heading over to social media site X in their droves, viewers shared their opinions or her glitzy ensemble. One fan of the show wrote: "Claudia in a magic carpet."

Another said: "Claudia is wearing a magic carpet or a curtain from a Blackpool casino." A third shared: "Oh dear what is Claudia wearing, looks awful why does she get it so wrong so often."

Meanwhile another added: "Woohoo! That Pet Shop Boys opening looked like fun on #Strictly but why, oh why, oh why is Claudia wearing my mother in law's old curtains???"

Despite some negativity, some viewers were loving Claudia's golden ensemble. Sharing a different view, one spectator gushed: "Obsessed with what Claudia’s wearing. OBSESSED. Another agreed and said: "Love Claudia's gold kaftan, very stylish."

Blackpool is a big event in the Strictly calendar with the stars hoping to secure their place in the special week. This year is also Strictly's 20th anniversary which surely enhanced the mood in Blackpool on Saturday night, which kicked off with 80s band, Pet Shop Boys opening the show,

Sharing her thoughts on the iconic location ahead of her Blackpool debut, Strictly and star said: "Blackpool is legendary because it’s such a unique venue, and it’s known as one of the most special places in the competition . In the UK especially, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is beautiful and grand, and having that week away from the Elstree studio brings a fresh atmosphere, new energy, and a bigger audience.

"Everyone gets really pumped up for Blackpool – it just feels so much more special. You hear about the historic ballroom competitions held there, and it’s such a respected space in dance, which is why everyone loves it so much."

Meanwhile Strictly's first ever blind contestant Chris McCausland, who is partnered with Diane Buswell, gave his thoughts. The stand up comic said: "It's something that means a lot to the professional dancers.

"Strictly is a two way relationship and they don't get to dance there every year with a partner because they leave at different points of the competition each year. To be able to get to Blackpool with Dianne and give her that opportunity to dance there again means more to me than me being able to go there myself."

Last week, Strictly said goodbye to contestant Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu.

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One