Evening Show

A packed theatre in Blackpool's Winter Garden Opera House was the setting for the evening screening of Strictly Come Dancing.

There was an almost feverish party atmosphere in the theatre, and even though they were re-showing the highlight reel that we'd been subjected to earlier in the day, people were in the mood to cheer (Mark Ramprakash's Argentine Tango, Jill Halfpenny's Jive) or laugh (John Sergeant's Paso Doble, Fiona Bruce's Jive) at the various scenes.

Dominic Littlewood and Karen Hardy returned to host the evening show, we were told that the videos and pictures that had been taken throughout the day would be appearing on the BBC website during the coming week - none of us yet though!

We were shown a highlights reel of the morning dance sessions (we were on the afternoon session) and this was pretty much the same video you'll have seen on the live show.

Rav Wilding and Mark Foster were re-introduced onto the stage and we were shown some highlights of their appearances on the show before they had to duck out to head over to the Tower, but not before Mark put his arm round Karen and commented on how great she looked, how she should still be in the show, and 'You're my favourite'.

Dominic then introduced highlights of Karen's appearances on Strictly, including Gary Rhodes Cha Cha (receiving a lowly 1 from Craig) and Mark Ramprakash's Salsa. Karen talked about how much she loved dancing, which she'd being doing since the age of 5, and had been so honoured when Strictly had convinced her to come out of retirement after her 6 year break (and a baby).

Matthew and Aliona made a surprise visit to perform an elegant Viennese Waltz

Matthew talked about how everyone at the Tower was so excited, and due to the significantly increased audience numbers there was a really great atmosphere.

Aliona talked about how this was her first time visiting in Blackpool, and how much she was enjoying it.

Before the live show was due to start Karen gave her comments and predictions on the show to follow:

Ali Bastian was still suffering from her injured foot, and with a dance such as the Viennese Waltz - heavy on technique - she could find it difficult to perform.

Craig Kelly would most likely be going out as it was definitely his time to go.

Ricky Groves started as a clown but is now taking it seriously and could be a real dark horse in the competition.

It was then time for the live show, Karen told us she'd be sticking around to comment on the show at intervals, and I settled down ready to make my notes on the evening performances...