Jump directly to the content

STRICTLY’S cast boozed the night away to celebrate Gemma Atkinson’s birthday after Saturday’s show — with some drinking until 6.30am.

Bosses wanted to avoid a repeat of last year when stars had a night out in Blackpool and Gorka Marquez lost four teeth after being punched.

 Gemma Atkinson and her partner Alijaz Skorjanec ready to have a fun weekend in Blackpool for Strictly
Gemma Atkinson and her partner Alijaz Skorjanec ready to have a fun weekend in Blackpool for StrictlyCredit: PA:Press Association
 Gemma Atkinson pictured performing the American Smooth to Downtown with Aljaz Skorjanec
8
Gemma Atkinson pictured performing the American Smooth to Downtown with Aljaz SkorjanecCredit: PA:Press Association

So they kept the bar open at the Big Blue Hotel until the early hours instead.

A Strictly insider said: “There was a huge buzz and loads of excitement at the ­after-party.

“All the judges were there and Graham Norton hung about for a bit after watching the show.

"The cast were celebrating Gemma’s and Janette Manrara’s birthdays, so it was definitely a late one.”

Is Strictly Come Dancing Judge Craig Revel Horwood the new Mr Nasty? These are his nastiest put-downs
 Birthday girl Gemma Atkinson beams as she's pictured clutching flowers
8
Birthday girl Gemma Atkinson beams as she's pictured clutching flowersCredit: BackGrid
 Gemma Atkinson was spotted with a large bunch of flowers to celebrate her birthday
8
Gemma Atkinson was spotted with a large bunch of flowers to celebrate her birthday
Holly Willoughby grills Gorka about waking up next to Gemma Atkinson on This Morning

Ex-Emmerdale actress Gemma, who turned 33 on Thursday, left the hotel by a back door to try to avoid photographers.

The source added: “She was one of the late revellers, so it’s not ­surprising she wanted to avoid having her picture taken.”

 Host Claudia Winkleman leaves Blackpool after busy weekend
8
Host Claudia Winkleman leaves Blackpool after busy weekendCredit: PA:Press Association
 Professional dancer Gorka Marquez pictured leaving hotel on Sunday morning
8
Professional dancer Gorka Marquez pictured leaving hotel on Sunday morningCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Gorka Marquez is rumoured to be dating ex-Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson
8
Gorka Marquez is rumoured to be dating ex-Emmerdale actress Gemma AtkinsonCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Shirley Ballas, pictured leaving Blackpool hotel, joked she was 'well behaved' after live show
8
Shirley Ballas, pictured leaving Blackpool hotel, joked she was 'well behaved' after live showCredit: Getty - Contributor

And host Claudia Winkleman, 45, added: “I’ve had a bit of a late night, please don’t take any pictures. I look a mess!”

Head judge Shirley Ballas, 57, told The Sun: “I was one of the well behaved ones.

"I was in bed by half one.”

 Gemma posing for this year's Strictly Come Dancing
Gemma posing for this year's Strictly Come DancingCredit: Rex Features
 Aljaz and Gemma pictured in their training gear after live show
8
Aljaz and Gemma pictured in their training gear after live showCredit: BackGrid

 

Gemma Atkinson and Aljaž Škorjanec dance the American Smooth Foxtrot on Strictly Come Dancing

 

Topics