Strictly bosses have beefed up security at Blackpool after pro Gorka had two teeth knocked out

MAKING it to Blackpool is the dream for stars of Strictly Come Dancing.

But after mishaps in previous years it has become a bit of a nightmare for show bosses.

That looks likely to continue with this weekend’s round of the contest — as it coincides with an anti-fracking protest in front of the Blackpool Tower.

Security will be ramped up at the Lancashire landmark when the celebrities, professional dancers and film crew arrive.

A Strictly insider said: “The producers were hoping they could stage this year’s Blackpool event without any mishaps. But the demonstration is something of a headache for them.

“Any protests brings with it the risk of some kind of incident, and an event as high profile as Strictly provides the protesters with a real platform.”

Beeb bosses have had to deal with numerous incidents in previous years when venturing out of London to the iconic home of British ballroom. A BBC spokeswoman said: “We take security and the safety of our cast and crew very seriously. All our security arrangements are reviewed and adjusted accordingly for every live show.”

In 2013, thieves raided the female competitors’ dressing room at Blackpool Tower during the show’s filming, making off with jewellery, an iPad and a mobile phone.

And two years ago, professional dancer Gorka Marquez had two teeth knocked out when he was the victim of an unprovoked attack by youths in the street.

But a new level of risk is involved with the protest, which opposes the continued removal of shale gas from sites close to Blackpool. It has experienced tremors believed to be linked to fracking in the area. Or perhaps a heavy-footed Charleston.

Shades to recovery

IS Caroline Flack still recovering from her 39th birthday celebrations?

The Love Island host, here in sunglasses on a London walk, was sick in the street after partying with sister Jody and pals on Friday.

She’ll have to get her act together before dancing with Gorka Marquez on the Strictly Christmas special.

Sian shares Peter plan

IT is not the end of the road for Car Share’s Peter Kay and Sian Gibson.

Comedienne Sian, who scooped two awards at the at the Royal Television Society North West Awards for her role as Kayleigh, revealed they are working on a new project after driving off into the sunset in May’s finale.

She said: “I was with Peter the other day and we have got something in the pipeline. There are things to think about.”

It would be Peter’s first project since cancelling his huge UK tour earlier this year, citing family reasons.

Last year, Car Share fans blew a gasket when Kayleigh walked out on John (played by Peter) in unhappy scenes.

More than 100,000 signed a petition for another ending. It resulted in two more episodes this year – including an unscripted one – which saw them drive off together in a bus listening to music.

Sian said: “That was the final, final one. I liked the conclusion because they got a happy ending.”

I wouldn’t change a single bit of it. It was brilliant.

soapbox

VICTORIA invites Leon back to her place in Emmerdale  – and they share a steamy snog. But he tries to take things further and becomes verbally abusive when she says no. Leon is then chucked out by Robert, who arrives after getting wind of their date.

Meanwhile over on Coronation Street, Abi takes the fall to protect Seb as police arrive. He runs into the back room and she grabs cash from the till, before being cuffed by the cops on suspicion of theft and criminal damage.

Elsewhere, pregnant Sinead keeps Daniel in the dark about her cancer treatment.

But she pours her heart out to new friend Steff over a brew as they discuss chemotherapy alternatives.