Stacey Dooley lifts the lid on real-life 'Strictly' drama in 'Blackpool's Ballroom Battle'

Ex-Strictly Come Dancing champion Stacey Dooley is set to investigate the high-drama world of competitive dancing in Blackpool's Ballroom Battle.

The documentary maker won the 2018 series of BBC One contest Strictly with her now-partner Kevin Clifton, but is set to reveal that the real world of competitive ballroom is even more drama-filled than the celebrity show.

Read more: Arlene Phillips 'kicked, screamed, cried and ate scones' after Strictly sacking

Blackpool's Ballroom Battle, a one-off documentary for BBC One, heads to the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, a pilgrimage for the Strictly couples in each series.

However, if Dooley thought the stakes were high in her own Blackpool week, she's set to find out how much more tense things can get in the real-life world of dance competition as her production company Little Dooley follows the Blackpool Dance Festival.

Thousands of dancers from more than 40 countries will descend in sequinned lycra on the seaside town to battle it out for the coveted title of the British Open Champion.

Expect tears, rows and incredible dance routines as the competitors in this 100-year-old festival show off their extraordinary dedication to the all-encompassing world of ballroom.

Read more: Bruno Tonioli's most outrageous Strictly moments

Viewers will meet larger-than-life personalities who head to the dazzling Empress Ballroom where dreams are made and broken every year, and where what happens on the dancefloor, doesn’t always stay on the dancefloor.

Executive producer Dooley said: "The minute I was introduced to the extraordinary world of ballroom and Latin I was hooked! The culture, the passion, the dedication, the anecdotes, the sequins...!

"We are hoping to deliver an insightful, thrilling look into an iconic scene that has until now, felt relatively undiscovered. And I really can't wait!"

Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing has recently announced its 2022 judging panel - which won't include Bruno Tonioli.

The original show judge is still having problems travelling between the UK and his US commitments on Dancing With The Stars, and will be replaced again by Anton Du Beke who will sit alongside Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood.

Blackpool's Ballroom Battle is due to air on BBC One later in 2022.

Watch: Bruno Tonioli leaves Strictly Come Dancing due to 'travel situation'