Strictly fans issued complaints on social media (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing made its eagerly-awaited return to the BBC with week eight of the star-studded competition. However, as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman introduced the panel of judges and the contestants, they highlighted the significance of this week, as the performances will determine which stars will dance at the home of ballroom, Blackpool. Before the competition got underway, a special clip played of the judges and professionals highlighting the importance of Blackpool week and what it means to them.

In the VT, head judge Shirley Ballas stated: “Blackpool is so special to me because I’ve been going there since I was seven years old. The minute I step into the ballroom, I go all fuzzy and warm inside. For me, it’s just the best place on earth.” As she shared, emotional photos and clips of the proclaimed Queen of Latin appeared on screen, highlighting her journey in the ballroom. Despite this, some fans were unimpressed and took to social media to complain about the segment, as one fumed: “Enough of these X Factor vts.” As a second pleaded: “Please don’t turn strictly into a sob story.”

Shirley also shared her experiences in Blackpool (Image: BBC)

Another fumed: “This is literally taking up too much time – they literally could’ve shown this tomorrow night.”

While a fourth questioned: “What is the point of this Blackpool video? Just get on with the dancing please.”

Among the pros to share their excitement for Blackpool, Kai Widdrington opened up about his early days in ballroom and performing on the coveted dancefloor as a youngster.

As a clip of him as a teenager played, the 30-year-old shared: “I was 14 years old when I got to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in Blackpool.”

Referring to the clip, Kai added: “This is me in the red and you can see the grey-haired lady waving her flag, that’s my grandmother, which holds a special place in my ehart because she’s not here anymore.”

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Kai Widdrington opened up about being 14 at Blackpool (Image: BBC )

Newcomer pro Alexis Warr also shared her anticipation and added: “I feel like I’m stepping into a bit of history and it’s so cool.”

While Anton Du Beke reflected: “My fondest memory of dancing at Blackpool on Strictly Come Dancing is the Ann Widdecombe saga. People on the street waiting outside could hear the screams from the ballroom as I did the famous bum spin.”

Ahead of the iconic episode, Strictly has confirmed that four celebrities will make a huge comeback for one night only as part of the spectacular group dance during the Blackpool special.

Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness and Layton Williams will perform with the professional dancers for a dazzling routine that’ll see them each revisit one of their most famous Strictly moments as part of the celebration.

Speaking on the reunion, Ashley shared: “I’m so excited and grateful to be back on the shiny floor in Blackpool again. Nearly a decade later, let’s see if these jive legs can still do their thing! Sequins always help, I’m sure.”