Blackpool is the UK’s most popular seaside resort and is known for being the entertainment capital of the North. There are many family attractions in Blackpool and lots of shows and events throughout the year. However, 2009 is bringing two particularly popular shows to the resort. Blackpool is proud to be hosting Strictly Come Dancing in November and the Royal Variety Performance in December.

Strictly Come Dancing is BBC One’s dance spectacular show featuring a host of celebrities and the BBC has confirmed plans to host an episode of Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool's Tower Ballroom. Strictly Come Dancing is returning to Blackpool with a special one-off episode. The show is to be filmed at the seaside town's famous Tower Ballroom after local people asked for the show to come back to its roots. A campaign led by local MPs and backed by judge, Alesha Dixon, persuaded bosses to revisit the landmark.

Blackpool's famous Tower Ballroom will play host to a special edition of the show on Saturday 7 November 2009. Hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly will be joined by the nine remaining couples in the competition, as well as the judging panel of Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Alesha Dixon. The Controller of BBC One has said "It's great that this year Strictly Come Dancing is going back to the home of ballroom. Our night in Blackpool will add extra sparkle to this series.

The famous destination was the original venue for Strictly's popular BBC predecessor Come Dancing. The ballroom dancing competition, which was hosted by presenters including Michael Aspel, Judith Chalmers, Rosemarie Ford and Angela Rippon, ran from 1949 to 1998. Strictly Come Dancing has previously broadcast from Blackpool too. The last time was the final of series two in 2004, when actress Jill Halfpenny and her dancing partner Darren Bennett were crowned champions.

Blackpool is thrilled to be hosting Strictly Come Dancing again. There are many shows in Blackpool but it is great that the BBC have decided to bring this fantastic spectacle back to the home of ballroom dancing. Blackpool's world-famous Tower Ballroom will once again look fabulous on TV and, as November 7th is the last weekend of the illuminations, all the dancers and celebrities will be able to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. It is fantastic news that the BBC is once again bringing the show to the Tower Ballroom. The ballroom will certainly add to the atmosphere and give this year's contestants the opportunity to dance in magnificent surroundings – it really is a welcome return.

Later in the year, Blackpool will also be hosting the Royal Variety Performance for the first time since 1955. The show will be held in the Blackpool Opera House and will be broadcast on ITV1. Winners of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent, Diversity, will be appearing.

Blackpool is a wonderful holiday resort and home to many attractions. Strictly Come Dancing and The Royal Variety performance will be two televised shows not to be missed. However, they are just two of the many wonderful shows in Blackpool.