Strictly Come Dancing is expected to waltz back on to our television screens later this month but plans are reportedly in place to axe the 2020 series if Britain goes back into coronavirus lockdown.
It has been claimed that that the BBC dancing show will not go ahead should Prime Minister Boris Johnson impose tougher lockdown restrictions in light of the second wave.
An insider told The Sun: “The BBC is fully prepared to axe this series of Strictly if a full lockdown happens.
“They couldn’t even delay the show until early next year because of a number of issues, including them being unable to use their usual studios.
“While everyone is hopeful it won’t happen, preparations have been made if it does.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2020 “will be axed” if Britain goes into a second coronavirus lockdown, it has been claimed (Image: PA)
They added: “Everyone working on the show has done their utmost to keep it on air and if a local lockdown happens in London, where the studios are, Strictly bosses will ask for special dispensation to see if they can continue.”
Strictly contestant HRVY revealed last week that he had tested positive for coronavirus.
The singer made the announcement just week before he was meant to be partnered up with his professional dancer.
HRVY, real name Harvey Cantrell, is one of the 12 contestants on this yer’s line-up, but now has to isolate to be ready in time for the launch show.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daley will return to our screens later this month (Image: PA)
Taking to Twitter, the YouTube star penned: “Hi, wasn’t gonna worry anyone and say anything but now the story’s out, I have coronavirus, I’m all good, no symptoms, just isolating for the next 10 days.
“Already super bored so prepare yourselves for my TikToks.””
Strictly Come Dancing executive producer Sarah Jones recently explained that anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be automatically eliminated from the competition.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, she said: “Unfortunately, if you receive a positive test, that means that you wouldn’t be able to continue in the competition.
The professional dancer performances will be filmed in advance (Image: PA)
“Obviously, according to government guidelines, if you receive a positive test, they would have to isolate for two weeks, and that would unfortunately rule them out of the show.”
All participants, including competitors, crew members and pros, will be placed in an isolation bubble so they can keep within the requirements to perform without rule-breaking.
The new series will run for a reduced time of ten weeks, one pre-recorded launch show, and then nine live weeks including eliminations.
While the Halloween and Blackpool specials have both been axed this year, Movie and Musicals weeks will continue as always.
There will also be a tribute from the professionals to Blackpool as the series skips the landmark moment for the first time.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this month
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
