Strictly Blackpool's opening performance rated 'best-ever' by viewers

What did you miss?

Strictly Come Dancing's annual trip to Blackpool featured Pet Shop Boys as the opening act on Saturday, 16 November.

Filmed live from the iconic Tower Ballroom, synth-pop legends Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe presided over the dancefloor with their microphone and keyboard, belting out a medley of their biggest hits in glittery garb as the Strictly professionals mesmerised in equal measure below them.

Reacting to this 1980s extravaganza on X, BBC One viewers believed they'd just been treated to Strictly's best-ever opener.

What, how and why?

From the stage, the Pet Shop Boys seamlessly ventured between 1987 hits It's A Sin and Heart, to 1985's Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money), 1984's West End Girls, and their Always on My Mind and Go West covers whilst the likes of Carlos Gu, Aljaž Škorjanec, Dianne Buswell and Kai Widdrington weaved between each other via electrifying choreography.

Posting on X, one user announced: "Think that might be my favourite #strictly opening ever. I mean, @petshopboys... come on!!!" before a second Strictly fan added: "The best band on the best show in the best ballroom = Best opening EVER!"

Read more:

• Strictly's Wynne Evans admits he's 'struggling' ahead of Blackpool

• Strictly's biggest stories of the week, from Dianne Buswell secret to Blackpool fever

• Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood recalls choreographing Hugh Grant for Paddington 2

What else happened on Strictly?

Soon afterwards, comedian Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne became the 100th Strictly couple to perform at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Their Foxtrot was warmly received by the judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Anton du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood, who collectively awarded them a score of 37.

Dianne was teary-eyed when both Shirley and Anton held up their 10 paddles.

Strictly Come Dancing's result show airs Sunday, 17 November on BBC One