The stars of Strictly Come Dancing seemed in a celebratory mood as they descended on their hotel bar in Blackpool after the official wrap party was reportedly axed.
JB Gill, Chris McCausland, Dianne Busswell, Katya Jones and Tess Daley were among those caught by snappers getting in on the fun at the Holiday Inn after the BBC dance competition made a triumphant return to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom at the weekend.
It has been reported that show bosses decided to scrap the annual knees-up over concerns of how it could look following the past year that has seen the show hit by a number of scandals.
According to The Sun however, over 100 people allegedly came together and were letting off steam long into the “small hours”.
A source told the publication: “The BBC were clearly concerned that being seen to throw a big shindig following the events of recent months would be a bad move.
“Particularly as many of the claims were about bad behaviour between pros and celebrities taking place in behind-the-scenes scenarios.
“So officially no Strictly knees-up happened at Blackpool, it was just a large group of people from the show, drinking and socialising with alcohol into the small hours.”
A spokesperson for the BBC told The Standard: “For the avoidance of doubt, there was no party after the show.”
Though the cast had “full access” to the hotel’s large bar and were free to have a drink if they wished.
Opera Singer Wynne Evans and his professional dance partner Katya Jones became the eighth couple to leave this year’s competition.
All four judges unanimously voted to send them home after they dance-off against Gladiator star Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe.
Evans, who performed to Carmen Suite No 1:5. Les Toreadors by Georges Bizet, said he’d had a “wonderful time” on the BBC One show.
“It’s been wonderful, I’ve got to say,” Evans – who is best known for appearing on the Go Compare insurance ads – said. “I feel like it’s what Strictly is all about.
“If I can come and do Strictly and last until week nine, then anybody can get out there and dance.”
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