Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Strictly: we’re shrinking...
SHOW’S PLAN TO BEAT THE VIRUS
THE Covid-19 crisis is cutting Strictly Come Dancing short this year – with an October start date and fewer celebrities taking part.
The series will be delayed by a fortnight as BBC bosses try to keep everyone safe while filming within the safety guidelines.
Extra time is needed to isolate the professionals between recording group dances in late August and starting rehearsals with their celeb partners.
The pros will live together in a hotel amid group session filming, then be quarantined for 14 days.
Only then can they start rehearsals for the main show with their celebrity. The partners will be in a “bubble”, allowing them to dance freely while in close contact.
The number of contestants is likely to be reduced from 15 to 13 in order for the final to take its usual slot a week before Christmas.
An insider said: “Once all group numbers are recorded in August, the pro dancers must spend two weeks isolating before the next stage. With celebs, we’ve no trouble getting them as there is little other work around – but the need to isolate means the timings are against us.”
Having fewer contestants will help with social distancing in the studio. The drop in numbers may mean AJ Pritchard and Kevin Clifton, who both quit after last year’s run, are not replaced There are currently 16 pro dancers signed up.
A Strictly spokesman said: “The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us.”
The safety of cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us all
STRICTLY SPOKESMAN ON SHOW’S PRECAUTIONS