Behind the scenes at Strictly Blackpool

The cameras are rolling and Judy Murray has finally hit the heights on Strictly.

The judges are charmed and there is, remarkably, a high score (rather than the usual measly numbers) on a line of glittery paddles.

Floating elegantly above the audience on a bunch of giant, multi-coloured balloons, Judy’s effortless, flowing moves show she’s a high-flying dancer at last, many would say! But all is not quite as it seems.

It’s not the live show but the final costume dress rehearsal and Craig Revel Horwood isn’t really Craig. The judges’ chairs are occupied by Fifi and another three of the production crew.

“It’s the only time Judy’s going to get anything near a 10 from Craig,” laughs one. “We give them a boost. They’re just about to go in front of 10 million viewers, so we don’t want to suck the life force out of them!”

Welcome to behind the scenes at Strictly Blackpool. It’s the most anticipated weekend of the year for the BBC’s biggest show. And, ahead of tonight’s nerve-shredding results The Sunday Post was given an access all areas pass for an exclusive look backstage.

Sparkly and glam, twinkly and sequin-strewn. That’s Saturday night. But, boy, it’s all so different on a rainy autumn Friday in Blackpool.

Outside the famous Tower Ballroom, though, the November gloom is no deterrent for the Strictly-mad devotees at the stage door. The shrewder ones have spotted the shelter of the Primark opposite. I head upstairs to catch up with Judy and Anton.

“Oh look,” says Judy, 55. “I’ve got to get a picture.” She whips her phone out for a snap of artwork bearing the words, “It’s nice to see you, to see you nice”. Anton chips in: “You forget what a legend Bruce is.”

As a Strictly superfan Judy is at the best party in town and nothing is going to spoil it. She may have been compared to an ironing board, rigor mortis and Nelson’s Column, but Judy’s smile is as bright as the sun now thankfully breaking out over the beach.

“Och I know the judges are going to give me a pasting whatever I do,” Judy beams. “I expect it. It’d be nice if they did give me a little mark up for getting the steps a bit better.”

Anton nods: “OK there are lifts but she has to dance step her way to them. Give her a break. Do I care about the scores though? Nah, not really.”

The pair know their dream remains alive thanks solely to the viewers’ votes. “If we are ever in the dance off I’ll just give it to the other couple!” he laughs.

The pair laugh off speculation that Judy’s survival in the show is a ploy by Nationalists to bring down Strictly as revenge for the Referendum “no” vote.

“Absolute nonsense,” guffaws the mum of tennis ace Andy.

“What? They were saying that? Brilliant!” adds Anton.

Mark Wright and partner Karen Hauer join us for a chat. And Mark’s eager to set the record straight on his week in the headlines. The curse of Strictly which sees couples split up due to the results of dancing a little too close has been reported to have struck Mark and fiancee Michelle Keegan.

“Look,” says Mark firmly. “I’d like to set this straight. I said that there were definitely NO strains caused by Strictly. Michelle and I talk all the time. Karen’s a best mate. It’s crazy.”

Karen who is with Strictly pro dancer Kevin Clifton just smiles in bemusement as she tucks into a bag of goodies.

“It’s fruit bread,” she says as she nibbles another mouthful. “I haven’t eaten and I’m like a mouse picking away.” Food, unlike the physiques of pros or celebs, is a big thing at Strictly.

As a long Friday of camera rehearsals wears on each couple get at least three full chances to do their routine the super-busy schedule means everyone grabs what they can, when they can.

“I think I’ve found my lucky breakfast,” confides Judy after another camera run of Let’s Go Fly A Kite. “I had beans, toast and egg on my very first Friday morning, not something I’d normally eat, and it gave me such a boost I’ve had it every Friday and Saturday since.”

For celebs Blackpool is the week they all want to make. For their pro partners it’s even more so. It’s the Mecca of ballroom.

“We’re here every May to compete,” says Ola Jordan, who also has something to get off her chest. Last week’s reports that she bullied Steve Backshall so much the Beeb had been forced to send in a chaperone clearly got to her.

She confides quietly, “I’ve been with the show for a long time and to hear that sort of thing is very upsetting.”

She admits she’s been grateful for the support of husband James. But as he was axed for this series and bitterly lambasted bosses she concedes he’s unlikely to be in the audience any time soon.

With trapeze artists swinging from the gilded ceiling and a cast of extra dancers it’s clear the show is pulling out all the stops. But tiring though it is there’s a bonhomie and what seems a genuine togetherness among all. ackbiting, bitterness and jealousy is nowhere to be seen.

After the final Strictly ritual of a Friday teatime, the tanning machines that have, like costumes, make-up and props, made the journey up from London, it’s time to call it a day.

For focused Friday read shaky Saturday. Now it’s all getting very real and the nerves tight as the stars roll up for their 9am call. Ahead lies hair and make-up and getting on the floor in their sparkly best for the first time.

Favourite Pixie Lott looks stunning and she admits she isn’t scared to flash the flesh. “I’m pretty laid back if it’s skimpy. Just give me it!”

Brendan Cole is equally chilled out. He’s “seen it all from the first show and won it”. He whips out his phone to proudly show a picture of his daughter. “She’s nearly two and a real beauty,” he beams.

Conquering nerves here is key and Jake Wood tells how a quiet moment before the first show has been his salvation. “I sat in the studio and took it all in. I figured nerves were at least 50% of it and I needed to beat those.”

With the dress run over at 4.30pm the stars head off yes, for more food and an hour later the 1000-strong audience filters in. It’s not that much more than the 748 at Elstree but the place is soon bouncing. And that’s only partly down to the Ballroom’s much bigger and sprung floor.

Blackpool really is special with an electric atmosphere all of its own. It’s also when the show gets really serious and thoughts of that glitterball trophy seem within touching distance.

“Yes, I want to at least make the final,” admits Saturdays star Frankie Bridge.

With that it’s time for Tess, stand-in Zoe, lights, camera, action, music. Oh, and of course, THAT ‘keeeep dancing.’

Strictly Come Dancing: The Results tonight at 7.15pm