Strictly will honour heroes of Covid-19 fight, insists Ballas

Head judge would also like to see royal take part in dance show

Shirley Ballas has said she is “99% sure” Strictly Come Dancing will return to television later this year and when it does it will honour those who have helped fight coronavirus.

The head judge said she believes people will need the glitz and glamour of the show when the weather gets colder.

She told Hello! magazine: “Of course everything changes day to day but I have spoken to Strictly’s executive producer, and I am 99% sure that we will be on screens in one form or another.

“We all realise that when the colder months come, we need some glitz and glamour – it’s like going to Hollywood or Vegas and it’s something that the whole family can enjoy.

“It’s imperative that the show goes ahead, so you can bet your trolley they are doing their best to get it on.”

Ballas said she has some thoughts on who she would like to see take part, adding: “I have always wanted anyone from the royal family.

“But it doesn’t have to necessarily be someone that’s in the limelight because what I enjoy the most is getting to know someone’s journey.

“And I know we are going to have some fantastic NHS stories, there is going to be a reflection on the coronavirus and what people have done for communities and I think it’s going to be a real tearjerker.”

Ballas, who has been in lockdown with her boyfriend Daniel Taylor, said the crisis has given her a newfound appreciation for the simple things and made her re-evaluate her lifestyle.

She added: “I will never take another ballroom for granted again. I will never take any work or shopping for granted.

“And I now realise I don’t have to work 24/7. I love to work but just as important is the time that you spend with your family.”

The full interview is in Hello!, out now.

Picture: PA.