Len Goodman spills the beans as Strictly Come Dancing heads to the famous Tower Ballroom... What's the significance of Blackpool on ballroom dancing? "Everybody who's ever been involved in competitive dancing has competed in Blackpool. In tennis, it's Wimbledon; in football, it's Wembley; and, for ballroom, it's Blackpool. I love the place!" What's the mood like among the contestants on the night? "It's just a magical experience. There are three or four times as many people in the audience, so the atmosphere is electric. Everybody's goal is to make it to Blackpool and, generally, all the couples seem to up their game." What have you made of the class of 2010? "It's been fantastic. We've had a mix of pretty good dancers, some not quite so good - and Ann Widdecombe!" Why do you think she's proved so popular with viewers? "The British love an underdog and we like to be entertained on the TV. If I'd been at home watching, I'd have been phoning up for Ann. I think she'll go for ages!" Who would you say are the frontrunners at this stage? "I think Pamela Stephenson is incredible. Then you've got Matt Baker, who's definitely up there and Scott Maslen. I think Kara Tointon's got great potential, too!" Which celebrities would you like to appear on a future Strictly? "I'd like Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and Simon Cowell on the show. I'd enjoy telling Anne Robinson she's the Weakest Link and it'd be fun seeing Katie Price on there wobbling about!" *Strictly comes live from Blackpool's Tower Ballroom on Saturday, November 20 at 6.30pm on BBC1
