Some Sunday evenings carry a special kind of charm, and this one instantly became a fan favourite the moment a familiar star stepped back onto the Strictly dancefloor.
The Blackpool atmosphere already felt electric, but Danny Mac’s return turned it into a moment everyone wanted to relive.
Danny Mac Steals the Spotlight Once Again
Before viewers even settled in, Danny Mac—now 37 and still radiating the charisma he had in 2016—opened the show with a performance that set social media ablaze.
He was joined by fellow Strictly alumni Ashley Roberts, Layton Williams, and Jay McGuiness for a special Blackpool Week opener that blended nostalgia with show-stopping energy.
But the real whirlwind hit when Danny appeared in a sheer, half-buttoned shirt to revisit his iconic Samba.
Fans immediately zeroed in on his chiselled physique and effortless movement, flooding X with comments insisting he had been unfairly denied the Glitterball back in his season.
Fans Still Haven’t Moved On From His 2016 Loss
Time may have passed, but Strictly fans clearly have not forgotten how Danny finished as runner-up in 2016, when Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton claimed the trophy.
Viewers reacted with a wave of excitement, frustration, and playful nostalgia, sharing how much they loved seeing Danny dance again and how strongly they still felt he deserved the win.
Their reactions were filled with excitement, disbelief, and a sense of justice delayed, with many expressing that watching him perform felt like stepping straight back into 2016.
Even so, they still made sure to celebrate Jay, Ashley, Layton, and everyone else who helped bring the performance to life.
A Blended Tribute to Their Most Memorable Routines
The special number was crafted almost like a tribute reel, weaving together elements from some of Strictly’s most talked-about routines.
Viewers enjoyed glimpses of Jay and Ashley’s unforgettable Jives, Layton’s energetic Quickstep, and of course Danny’s Samba, which once again proved why it remains one of the show’s standout performances.
For Ashley, returning to the Blackpool floor felt like stepping back into a beloved chapter of her journey.
She shared beforehand that she was grateful and excited to be back.
Danny echoed that sentiment, describing his original Blackpool appearance as one of the highlights of his time on Strictly and admitting that stepping back into The Tower Ballroom felt both thrilling and terrifying in the best way.
A Week With No Eliminations
The excitement of Blackpool Week was matched by a surprising twist: none of the remaining six couples would be leaving the competition.
This decision came after La Voix was forced to withdraw due to an injury that left her unable to continue.
Shortly after the announcement, La Voix posted a heartfelt message on Instagram expressing how heartbroken she felt to be stepping away.
She explained that her spirit wanted to keep dancing but her foot had other plans, and she thanked everyone for the encouragement and support she received throughout her time on the show.
Injuries Continue to Shape the Season
Unfortunately, her departure wasn’t the first setback this season.
Dani Dyer withdrew before the live shows even began because of an ankle fracture, and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis also bowed out in October after tearing his calf muscle.
The competition, however, pushed forward.
This week, Lewis Cope and Katya Jones achieved a perfect score of 40, securing their place at the top of the leaderboard. Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon landed at the bottom with 33 points.
Both judges’ scores and public votes from this week will roll into the next round, heightening the pressure for every couple.
What’s Next?
With no eliminations and the scores carrying over, the upcoming week promises even more intensity.
Every dance, every vote, and every moment on that ballroom floor will count as the competition edges closer to the final stretch.
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