Strictly’s Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman prepare for Elstree-based ‘Blackpool’ special  

They may not be able to head on their annual jaunt to Blackpool this year amid Covid-19 travel restrictions.

But that didn’t stop hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from getting in the mood as they prepared to celebrate the iconic Tower Ballroom from the comfort of Elstree studios in Hertfordshire.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday ahead of the live show, Tess, 51, looked stunning in a little black dress as she joined a leopard print-clad Claudia, 48, in rehearsals.

Getting into the spirit of things, the ladies donned novelty Blackpool glasses while they larked around in seaside beach huts.

Dressed to impress for the occasion, Tess wowed in a slinky black midi dress which featured sheer panels with a sparkly trim. 

While Claudia showcased her wild side in a leopard print boiler suit and matching heels.

Captioning the snap, Tess revealed they were enjoying the spirits of Blackpool, even though they couldn’t physically travel there for the first time in the show’s history.  

She penned: ‘Rehearsal ready. guess where we’re off to! kind of…’

In September it was revealed that the much-loved Blackpool special would be cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

In a statement the BBC spokesperson said; ‘Blackpool is a milestone moment in every series of Strictly that our audience, our celebs and professional dancers look forward to. 

‘Whilst we’ll be unable to physically go to Blackpool this series, we’ll still be celebrating this iconic venue and bringing it to life from our studio in Elstree.’

Strictly usually travels to Blackpool for one weekend towards the middle of the series in November, with the remaining celebrity couples getting the chance to perform in the legendary Tower Ballroom.

Saturday night will see the remaining eight celebrities battle it out as they hope to secure a place in the next round.

Last weekend’s dance-off saw Max George and his professional partner Dianne Buswell sent home after going up against Maisie Smith and Gorka Marquez. 

EastEnders star Maisie, 19, was said to have been ‘crying all night’ after landing in the bottom two couple’s.

Following the close call, Maisie apparently had to be comforted by her fellow Strictly co-stars after taking the vote ‘to heart’. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Poor Maisie has been so upset – she’s been crying all night and has really taken it to heart.

‘She’s young and living away from home for the first time so it’s hard on her.’

The insider went on to say that the young actress had the support of her fellow celebrity contestants and professional dancers as they attempted to cheer her up. 

They added: ‘The show’s dancers and the other celebs have been rallying around and trying to lift her spirits.’

Since her disappointment last week, Maisie is determined to do well this weekend and has been spotted leaving rehearsals after several gruelling hours of dance training.

This week the duo will perform a Salsa to Better When I’m Dancing by Meghan Trainor in a bid to remain in the competition. 

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 7.15pm on BBC One.