Strictly no cheering!

STRICTLY bosses have banned the studio audience from cheering.

Fans attending the show are being told that they are not permitted to shout out while it is being filmed.

New guidelines state there cannot be any standing ovations either.

The strict rules have been introduced after a health and safety assessment of the BBC One show in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

One show insider told us: “Experts say any form of shouting or cheering can spread the virus between people, so anything along those lines is off limits in the studio.

“The new rules are very strict indeed, but the producers want to be extra careful so everyone is as safe as possible.

“It means fans can’t cheer on the dancers or give them a standing ovation. It’s a shame, but it is the only option.”

Strictly bosses have been forced to scale back the number of people in the studio audience to ensure they can follow social distancing guidelines. Instead of having hundreds of guests every Saturday night, there will now be just a handful of small groups. Each cluster of people must all be from the same household or support bubble. They are also required to wear face masks at all times, as seen last night, inset.

Our insider said: “Being in the studio audience is normally like being at the best party in town, but this year it’s not quite the same.” Producers are desperate to avoid a coronavirus outbreak on the show. If any of the stars or behind-the-scenes staff are infected it could force them to pull the plug on this year’s run.

The series has already come close to an outbreak after contestant HRVY – real name Harvey Leigh Cantwell – contracted the virus before filming even started.

The singer, 21, has since recovered and bosses have insisted it is safe for Strictly to continue as planned.

The first live show of singing contest The Search was postponed at the last minute earlier this month after staff tested positive.