As Seen on Strictly: Week 9

This week saw a double-whammy in Blackpool with the committed team at DSI working round the clock for the Strictly Blackpool special, which saw the making of a vast number of outfits, as well as ensuring our Elite Performers, sponsored dancers and customers were dressed for success at the British National Dance Championships.

We’re all now lying down in a darkened room with cool flannels on our heads. (Only joking! It’s on to the next show!)

From a futuristic tango to a Spice Girls tribute, costume designer Vicky Gill, as always, completely excelled herself, dressing the huge cast of dancers and celebrities for a fun and varied show, including a circus-themed spectacular on Saturday, with monochrome-striped fabric paying tribute to the famous Blackpool rock, and a Northern Soul special on Sunday.

First to dance on Saturday was Mollie King, who wore a Silver Metallic Lycra dress, which brought some old-school glamour to this vintage party dance. With Tan Mesh inserts, as well as Silver ribbon, fringe and bead embellishments, this stunning sparkler of a dress was stoned with Crystal AB rhinestones.

Gemma Atkinson’s American smooth impressed the judges this week and her vibrant dress brought a smile to the face too.

With Ocean Blue Crepe as a base and Ocean Blue Georgette godets, Gemma’s overdress was stunning in Hawaiian Pink, Navy, Flame Red and Ocean Blue Mesh. A Navy Satin belt tied the outfit together perfectly, with stunning stoning in Crystal Bermuda Blue.

Finally, this week saw an emotional goodbye to Jonnie Peacock, the first Paralympian on Strictly Come Dancing. Modest, hard-working and inspirational Jonnie has been an absolute star on Strictly.

His final dance, a futuristic tango, with his partner Oti Mabuse featured unforgettable costumes. Oti’s dress was made from DSI’s Crepe with limited-edition Black Georgette godets and the pair wore Black with starkly contrasting Lime Satin piping to dramatic effect on that famous Blackpool floor.