Elvis is NOT under the building - Scarlett Moffatt's suspicious mind reignites local legend of resort's secret tunnels but Elvis fans can still enjoy a big celebration in Blackpool in 2021

But entertainment voices within Blackpool have been quick to dispel a suggestion made by former Gogglebox and reality star Scarlett Moffatt who allegedly claimed the King of Rock of Roll, Elvis, the American singer, musician and actor, could still be alive and living in a hidden network of tunnels deep under the Blackpool Tower.

The conversation will reignite local legend of the supposed secret trails and passageways that run beneath the town.

Many believe the revelations of a hidden 'rabbit warren' of tunnels originated from the evidence of a former passage running directly under the Ballroom Tower and leading to another entertainment venue the Winter Gardens to assist performers in shows between venues.

But Moffatt in her chat with the Daily Star said that it was in researching this history, she came to believe in the suggestion the musical icon could be inhabiting the tunnels, 40 years after his death.

Read more: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/blackpool-stars-take-audience-on-musical-journey-through-history-of-the-winter-gardens-in-new-show-west-end-blackpool-3191991Elvis, who only ever performed three-times outside of the US (all in Canada) died in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1977, aged just 42.

She said: "I believe that Elvis is still alive and lives under Blackpool Tower.

“I’ve looked into this in great, great detail, and underneath Blackpool Tower and the Winter Gardens – where there have been lots of sightings of Elvis – there are tunnels underneath.

“They run directly from the Winter Gardens to the Tower, and apparently that’s how Elvis gets about.

“I reckon Elvis moved to Blackpool and gets around unnoticed in the tunnels.”

Some evidence of a concealed corridor, some 120 years old, was understood to have been found between the Tower and Winter Gardens but had been completely demolished in 1960.

United DJs founder Tony Prince, who has a great affection for Blackpool and interviewed Elvis twice and even introduced him on stage laughed at the rumour his friend would have found his way to the entertainment capital of the north.

He said: "Elvis would('nt) be found dead under Blackpool Tower.

"Other than Deutschland, and aeroplane stop off in Scotland and a party-time with his army buddies in Paris and a live satellite concert from Hawaii, Elvis remained in the USA.

"If he were in any tunnels it would be under Graceland!"

Fans of the King rock the resort every year for the sell-out Elvis Celebration held in his honour at the Empress Ballroom which usually welcomes Elvis tribute artists and traders from around the world, for a full weekend. Favourite hits from Jailhouse Rock, to Love Me Tender, Suspicious Minds to Hound Dog and Blue Suede Shoes will be played over the weekend through.

This year's rescheduled event will now open on July 2 to July 4.

Moffatt, who turned on Blackpool Christmas lights in 2019, added: "Think about it – embrace your inner Elvis – if you love Vegas, what’s the closest place to Vegas that isn’t Vegas? Blackpool!

“Why wouldn’t Elvis want to live in Blackpool It’s got the charm, it’s got the neon lights…

“Elvis always said he was a fan of the UK.”

A spokesperson for the Winter Gardens addressing claims the 'real Elvis' could this year put in an appearance said: "Under the Winter Gardens main venues and public hallways is a large service level containing storage, cellars and office space used for a variety of functions but it does not link to any other venues within the resort or house any thought to be deceased music legends.’

"We love to celebrate the king of Rock and Roll at the venue, famously hosting the annual Elvis Celebration in the Empress Ballroom along with numerous touring shows to sell-out audiences in the Opera House all featuring the best tribute artists in the world, information and tickets to all our Elvis events can be found at wintergardensblackpool.co.uk."

Documents came to light in 2015, as reported by the Mirror, suggested plans were in the making for The King to visit Britain for gigs not long before his death in 1977.

The only evidence of Elvis setting foot in the UK was at Prestwick airport, South Ayrshire in 1960 on his way home from military service in Germany.