Strictly Come Dancing professionals have been busy rehearsing at the redesigned coronavirus-safe set ahead of the show’s return next month.
The team of dancers, who have formed their own bubble, practiced a 1920s-style number ahead of the series launch in October.
Strictly bosses have also showed off the new socially-distanced judging panel where Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood will deliver their comments to the celebrity contestants and their pro dancing partner.
Bruno Tonioli does not have his own spot after it was revealed that he would miss part of this year’s series.
The 64-year-old Italian dancer usually flies back and forth between the UK and US versions of Strictly, but that will not be possible this year due to the ongoing pandemic.
Strictly Come Dancing professionals have been rehearsing at the redesigned coronavirus-safe set ahead of the show’s return next month (Image: BBC)
This year’s shows will also feature a much smaller, cabaret-style audience.
The new set comes as it was revealed contestants face being kicked off the show if they test positive for Covid-19.
Executive producer Sarah James told The Sun: “Unfortunately, if you receive a positive test, that means you wouldn’t be able to continue in the competition.
“According to guidelines, you would have to isolate for two weeks and that would rule you out.”
It comes after reports that some of the celebrities taken part in the BBC dancing show this year after refusing to isolate.
Strictly bosses have also showed off the new socially-distanced judging panel (Image: BBC)
Insiders have claimed that some stars are worried entering self isolation will mean they are away from their family.
A source said: “The BBC has pulled out all the stops to ensure the show must go on. But there have been difficulties.
“Mutinous celebs have hidden behind their agents in rows with bosses.
“Some stars made it clear that isolation away from their families was a no-no. There was a lot of grumbling.”
Strictly will feature a much smaller, cabaret-style audience (Image: BBC)
The insider added to The Sun: “The BBC had no choice but to back down.
“It will appear that the contestants live in quarantine, but that will only be half the story.”
Earlier this month Strictly was hit by its first Covid scare after a crew member tested positive for coronavirus.
An insider spilled: “They were hours away from starting filming for the pre-recorded professional group dances when they got a call to stay that one of the crew members had tested positive when turning up for another job.
“Everything juddered to a half while worried bosses worked out what to do.
“This is the worst-case scenario for Strictly, as they’ve gone to extreme lengths to make the show safe up to this point.
“Starting a show then stopping mid-production is the most expensive thing that could happen, so they’re praying it’s not more serious than just one person potentially having it.”
Strictly Come Dancing starts on BBC One next month
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
