Mad queues, superfans and Shirley Ballas in Tesco: The huge buzz in Blackpool as Strictly comes to town

It may be wet and cold in Blackpool, but there is a real fever sweeping the area that is bringing the hot heat of the salsa and the energetic punch of a cha cha: Strictly Come Dancing has come to town.

For one weekend only, the Strictly stars will take over the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the rumours are already circulating around shoppers outside the dancefloor on Friday. There's mumblings that professional Vito Coppola has apparently been seen in Boots, fellow dancer Nikita Kuzmin had told someone he’s grabbing a coffee and Angela Rippon was even seen getting out of a car earlier in the morning.

“Shirley’s gone to Tesco,” one autograph hunter tells the others queued up at entrance of a hotel where the stars of this year's show are supposedly being kept up overnight. Initially thinking she may have popped out for a pint of milk or a meal deal, it turns out she is actually doing a book signing at the supermarket. “She will be back soon,” he says knowingly as the fans wait patiently for even a quick glimpse of head judge Shirley Ballas.

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And it appears that everyone across Blackpool is also on the lookout to spot a Strictly star, including those faithfully queuing up outside the Blackpool Tower to catch a selfie or an autograph from a professional dancer or celebrity on Friday afternoon.

Millie Thompson, from London, Courtney Groves, from Manchester, and Rebecca Willox, from Leeds, were amongst the first to be part of that very queue and have been camped up since 6.30am. The