Saturday 19 November 2022 08:20 PM Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool: Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal open the show trends now Strictly Come Dancing returned to screens on Saturday evening for it's ninth live show, as the show returned to Blackpool Tower for the first time in three years for the programme's iconic annual trip to the coastal town. The show opened with a performance from the show's professional dancers, as they were surrounded by neon signs which read: Blackpool is Back' - before judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke took to the stage to join in on the dance. Hamza Yassin was the first to perform at the iconic ballroom with his partner Jowita Przystal, as the pair took on an American Smooth to Frank Sinatra's iconic 1979 hit New York, New York. Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool: Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal open the show with an American Smooth as stars RETURN to iconic Tower ballroom for the first time in three years And it was an impressive start for the pair, as Shirley dubbed the wildlife photographer the 'one to beat' as he stepped out in a tailcoat and bowtie ensemble. 'Hamza, you shone brighter than all the baubles and beads and bangles in the world. You give Blackpool such respect, your footwork, you have dedicated yourself to tiny details. Even though it's Blackpool, you're as cool as a cucumber. You're the one to beat for me,' said the head judge. While Anton was ready to jump on stage with them, as he said: 'People ask if I miss the dancing, that's the dance that I would've wanted to have done. Welcome to Blackpool everyone, outstanding.' And while Craig typically had some critics, he did dub it 'spectacular', sharing: 'I wasn't fond of your solo jazz section, but the timing, the footwork and the moves was absolutely spectacular.' 'It doesn't matter what they throw at you, you perform with excellence, It shows that you are in complete control fo yourseld, your partner and this ballroom,' echoed Motsi. Looking smart: Jowita looked gorgeous in a feather lined baby blue gown, while Hamze spun her around the stage in a tailcoat And after Hamza described the performance as 'an absolute honour', he managed to bag a score of 38 as both Craig and Motsi awarded nine points, while Shirley and Anton gave ten. Molly Rainford and partner Carlos Gu were next to the dancefloor with a Jive to American Bandstand (Bandstand Boogie), as Claudia said they 'nailed it'. Anton was quick to agree: 'Absolutely tremendous. It's clean, it's perfectly timed. Keep going like that, great dance - well done.' 'It needs to be a little bit lighter, obviously you're dancing next to a professional. But what I love about you is that you absolutely sell the dance,' said Craig. Motsi and Shirley also had positive comments for the pair, with the latter sharing: 'I hope that we all appreciate just how well done that jive was.' Backstage after the dance, Molly told Tess: 'We go to Elstree every week and it feels like a TV show, but here it just feels like we're meant to dance,' said the star, who is the youngest contestant in the competition, while partner Carlos dubbed the performance a highlight of my life'. Craig awarded Molly an 8, while she bagged nine points from each of the other judges - putting her behind Hamza with 35 points. Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima then took on a Paso Doble to a cover of Rihanna's Only Girl In The World, with the soap star stunning in a bright purple gown. As usual, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman put on a glamorous display, with Claudia donning a feather bust jumpsuit while co-presenter Tess opted for a bright green, fitted dress. It comes after Fleur East and partner Vito Coppola topped the leaderboard last week with 39 out of a possible 40 points. And without a dance-off, last week also saw Tony Adams sensationally quit the competition with an apparent hamstring injury, forfeiting his place. STRICTLY COME DANCING: WEEK 9 SCOREBOARD Fleur East and Vito Coppola: Will Mellor and Nancy Xu: Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystał dancing an American Smooth: 38 out of 40 points Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu dancing a Jive: 35 out of 40 points Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez: Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe: Tyler West and Dianne Buswell: Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility