Strictly to undergo major format changes as Anton du Beke begs for rule to be axed

Strictly Come Dancing have announce that they will be making some major changes this year.

Since the Coronavirus pandemic, the BBC Ballroom competition has seen lots of Covid restrictions that will all be removed this year.

The clear panels between the judges and an empty studio have been a normal thing to spot in the show lately but both are expected to be removed and the show will return to a bit of normality.

READ MORE: Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice hints at leaving dancer role as he opens up on BBC future

Anton du Beke, a panellist on the show said he’s been dying for the panels to be removed since they were implemented in a bid to return closer to his fellow judges.

He said: “What I hope we are able to do this year, actually, is that we can get rid of the screens because we have had the screens up over the last couple of the years and the judges slightly separated.

“I am hoping we can get a bit closer so we can have a bit more chat amongst ourselves.”

However producers have realised that some of the restrictions are actually beneficial and will be keeping them in place, The Mirror reports.

A BBC source said: “While final plans are still being nailed down and kept fluid, Strictly bosses are planning to pre-record some of the pro dancer routines again this summer. They are also hoping to have a full studio audience back watching the live show each week.”

The group dances usually open the Sunday shows and the past few years they have been pre recorded.

Producers have found that pre-recording them before the dancers start training their celebrities works better than trying to slot them in each week.

In the past two years, the group of pros has had to isolate together in a hotel prior to the intensive filming days for the dances.

This year they will be able to move freely and return home if they live close enough to the Strictly studios in Elstree, Hertfordshire.

Bosses are also keen to get back to Blackpool in November after two years away.

Last year Rose and Giovani won the hearts of the nation and were crowned champions of its 19th series.

The pair won the Must-See Moment BAFTA TV award for their enchanting silent dance to Clean Bandit and Zara Larsson’s song Symphony.

Giovanni insisted however that he “doesn’t like to compare” and certainly won’t be comparing his partner this year to Rose.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk