The Miranda star does not have fond memories of coming to Blackpool
The Miranda star does not have fond memories of coming to Blackpool
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola can’t wait to perform in Blackpool for this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing. The two will take to the dancefloor at the iconic Blackpool Tower for one of the highlights of the BBC show.
However, Sarah will be hoping for a positive experience as she admitted she doesn’t have the fondest memories of coming to the seaside town. The 53-year-old told the BBC: “My mum took me to Blackpool when I was a little.
“We got there and we did the rollercoaster… when our photograph came through everyone had their arms in the air but I’m nowhere to be seen. I’m in the brace position, probably screaming, brace, brace. After that, my mum took us to go on a little donkey ride on the beach.
“I got on a donkey but it got spooked. I swung under the donkey and was dragged with my face in the sand. This donkey was called something like Brenda. It’s like something in a horror film. After that, I think I was a bit traumatised and just came home.”
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However, the Miranda star is not deterred by her bad memories as she can’t wait for Saturday when she will perform their Couple’s Choice to Padam Padam by Kylie Minogue. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is renowned for its sprung dance floor and Sarah has been warned to take this into account by her partner, Vito.
She said: “I’m quite a bouncy person and Vito [Coppola] spends a lot of time telling me to stop being so bouncy. He says I’m like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. But then he’s quite bouncy too, but he can control it.
“I’m worried that I’m going to have to be even less bouncy. To actually dance on it will be amazing.” She said being able to reach one of the highlights of the Strictly calendar year is a privilege.
She added: “How many people who are not professional dancers can say that they’ve competed on the ballroom at Blackpool? That’s just crazy.
“There is added pressure because you’ve got the size and the scale, the privilege is just going to make me absolutely go for it.” Vito agreed as he said: “I love Blackpool week because it’s just a unique week. Every time I’m in Blackpool, I can feel the energy of years and years of dancing and all the big legends that have danced there.”
He added to the BBC: “Every time I perform in Blackpool on the dance floor, I feel like I am in the centre of the world. Words cannot describe how amazing the feeling of dancing on the ballroom in Blackpool is. I really hope to be able to give to Trilly [Sarah’s nickname] the best experience.
“Every week is beautiful and different, but Blackpool is just Blackpool. I’m very happy to be able to perform once again in Blackpool. I’m very excited and I hope to give my best in order to bring the biggest smile to everyone’s face and to bring all the joy to all the people.”
