We can dance at a distance on Strictly says Shirley
SHIRLEY Ballas has suggested that Strictly Come Dancing could return to screens with contestants “distancing dancing” as lockdown measures are eased.
The head judge, 59, said she had sent the BBC One show’s producers an example of how celebrities and their professional partners could perform without touching.
Shirley said the method would be challenging but could make the show more interesting to viewers.
Appearing on Loose Women, she said: “I spoke to the executive producer Sarah and I am 99 per cent sure the show will go on in some format.
“There has been ongoing discussions and they will find a way to do it.
“I did send an example of distancing dancing, so you can do that.
“A little bit more difficult, challenging, but interesting. I am absolutely positive they will bring the best they can. I couldn’t imagine the autumn and winter months without the show, the glitz, the glamour, and I think everybody is looking forward to it.”
Shirley, who is in lockdown with partner Daniel Taylor, also cheekily backed the idea that celebrities and their professional partners could move in together for the duration of the show, to become a household and abide by social distancing measures.
Referring to the so-called Strictly curse, she said: “That could make things rather exciting, if that were to happen.
“As long as the judges can move in too, we’ll be fine.”
The “curse” saw Stacey Dooley start dating dance partner Kevin Clifton and Seann Walsh smooch with married pro dancer Katya Jones who then split from her husband.
Shirley has previously said the show will honour the NHS staff working on the frontline of the pandemic when it returns in autumn.