Britain’s Got Talent has been plunged into crisis over coronavirus.
Staging its finals under the current safety rules is proving a “nightmare” for producers.
Many acts are facing issues with just weeks to go.
A show insider said: “Bosses are making sure the shows follow all the guidelines to the letter. But it is causing a headache.
“Social distancing rules mean the acts with big groups of performers aren’t able to rehearse. That is likely to put them at a huge disadvantage at any time if the virus starts to spike.
Many acts are facing issues with just weeks to go, a show insider claims (Image: Facebook)
“It’s also likely acts will need to be quarantined to be extra safe. Arranging that is no small task.” Bosses have also been forced to plan strict safety measures for when filming starts, to avoid an outbreak among performers.
That will include carrying out temperature checks and testing everyone – including judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon – for the lethal virus as often as every three days.
Our source added: “They’re taking no chances. It’s vital everyone is safe. But they also can’t afford an outbreak to happen because it could force them to cancel the shows.
Social distance rules means everyone on the show will have to have a temperature checks including judge Simon Cowell (Image: ITV)
“Producers are working around the clock to make sure things go smoothly. The finals are very much going ahead.”
The semi-finals are likely to be pre-recorded to make it easier for the show to follow safety guidelines, meaning just the final will be live this year.
It’s also likely there will be a limited studio audience.
Staging finals under the current safety rules is proving a “nightmare” for producers (Image: ITV)
The shows are due to air on Saturday nights in September.
Being able to schedule BGT in the early autumn has been a lifeline for ITV because The X Factor has been axed.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
