Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly held crisis talks after struggling to sign up celebrity contestants for the latest series of the BBC dancing show.
The UK currently remains in coronavirus lockdown and the government rules mean the stars of the show may have to stay in quarantine together for months, it has emerged.
Strictly could be postponed until at least next year or filmed without a live audience after BBC chiefs hinted that stars would need to be based in a house for the duration of the competition.
An insider told Mail On Sunday: “This is a logistical nightmare.
“There have been many, many contingency meetings about what is going to happen.
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are apparently finding it difficult to sign celebrities for the latest series of the BBC dancing show (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
“The hope is that the scheduling will remain the same, people have been told that postponing until next year is a distinct possibility.
“The main priority for the BBC is that everyone is kept safe. It is a massive show but what’s more important right now is protecting lives.”
It is believed that one of the biggest hurdles for bosses has been signing up celebrities with families because they would need to consider moving away from their household for an extended period.
Coronavirus lockdown rules mean that celebrities may be quarantined with their dance partner for months in order for the show to go ahead (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Famous faces have been turning Strictly down because of both the contingency plan and the so-called Strictly curse, according to the publication.
Concerns have also been raised about the availability of the professional dancers, particularly those with families.
A source said: “The pros feel they are struggling now that tours had to be cancelled.
“They feel they deserve more considering how much work they put in or six months of the year. Often the days can be really long.”
Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse were crowned champions of Strictly Come Dancing last year (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
“Strictly bosses are looking at overseas versions of the show to see how to get the show on air in spite of the pandemic.
“Filmed by unmanned cameras, couples in the Australian version danced on the roofs of buildings to limit the number of people gathered.”
A BBC spokesman said: “We will continue to review all productions on a case-by-case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.”
Daily Star Online has contacted a BBC spokesman for comment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
