'Nobody expected it': Tess and Claudia's exit takes Strictly stars by surprise

Despite the shock of that exit, Strictly is hurtling towards its final weeks - and the contest is getting tougher.

For many celebrities and professionals, it's a major goal to reach the annual episode filmed in Blackpool Tower Ballroom, which usually marks the halfway point in the competition and is a change of scenery from the usual location of Elstree Studios.

La Voix won't be joining the stars in the 19th century ballroom after being forced to withdraw because of injury, so will get a pass through to next week under Strictly rules, but the six other remaining couples will compete alongside live performances from Lewis Capaldi and Steps.

Former Strictly finalists Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness and Layton Williams will also return for the special.

For Cope, it feels like an "achievement" to have reached Blackpool week.

"Although you have the themed weeks leading up to it, it feels like the first big milestone," he said. "And the fish and chips are really nice."

Former England footballer Karen Carney feels similar.

"I spoke to my sister this morning, and she was like, they're really proud we've reached this milestone. They didn't think I'd be able to do it," she said.

All the stars have been putting in long hours as they get ready for the experience.

But former Love Island winner Amber Davies is trying to approach Blackpool as she would any other week.

"I don't want to look back with regrets. I'm literally pushing my mind and my body to the furthest it can go," she said.