STRICTLY SEPARATE
Ballroom hit’s back, and it’s in step with Covid safety rules
FANS had feared Strictly Come Dancing had enjoyed its last tango for some time – especially after a contestant tested positive for coronavirus.
But producers have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the hit series rumbas safely on.
And for the first time, its new Covid-friendly formula can be seen in shots released ahead of tonight’s long-awaited launch.
It comes as the cast of 2020 finally got together for the first time in their Strictly attire before their dance floor debuts.
Contestants this year include comic Bill Bailey, boxing champ Nicola Adams – who has asked to dance with a woman in the show’s first same-sex pairing – and actress Caroline Quentin.
The 18th series kicks off tonight – when viewers will officially learn which professional dancer each celebrity has been partnered with. The 12 partnerships – three fewer than usual – will be unveiled in previously filmed clips rather than in the studio as in previous years.
Shots from the pre-recorded BBC programme show the hosts and judges at a Covid-friendly distance apart. The images also appear to show a Perspex screen in front of conductor Dave Arch and his ‘wonderful orchestra’.
The three judges – Shirley Ballas, 60, Craig Revel Horwood, 55, and Motsi Mabuse, 39 – can be seen sitting at individual new podiums in the studio.
Noticeably absentee Bruno Tonioli will join his colleagues by video link from Los Angeles for the Sunday results shows and will not be in the studio until towards the end of the series due to the pandemic.
Meanwhile co-presenters Tess Daly, 51, and Claudia Winkleman,
48, were also forced to keep their distance – pictured standing several metres apart to present the opening show.
It was not known until the very last minute whether or not producers would be allowed to have a studio audience tonight.
But they were able to invite some people – around one tenth of their usual capacity – sitting with their households on small tables to watch in face masks.
Earlier this month YouTube star and singer Harvey Cantwell, 21, tested positive for Covid-19 despite having no symptoms.
He tested negative last week after self-isolating and was able to return. In the event that one half of a partnership does test positive after the contest starts, they will be forced to quit.
To ensure that the contestants can work closely with their dancing partners, they are in ‘bubbles’ and are regularly tested.
Other changes include ditching the annual trip to the Blackpool Tower ballroom – and losing the traditional Halloween-themed episode.
Executive producer Sarah James said: ‘ We have been through quite a lot of it already over the past few months and changed things regularly and some things will have to change back and that’s fine.
‘We’re confident that we will still be able to put the show on and ready to make the changes when necessary.’
The first live show takes place next Saturday on BBC1.