Strictly Come Dancing 'chaos' as show could be booted off air to make way for World Cup

Strictly Come Dancing could be kicked off the air later this year because it clashes with the World Cup.

The BBC dance show, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, usually airs on Saturday and Sunday nights.

At the moment the channel is only offering audience tickets to their live shows until Saturday November 26.

But, after that, the programming is up in the air as it stands – despite it being Strictly’s 20th anniversary year – due to the World Cup taking place this winter in Qatar.

The football tournament kicks off on Sunday, November 20 with the final being played on Sunday, December 18.

And BBC bosses reportedly fear the December shows, which include the vital finals stages, could clash with the some of the games.

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are back at Strictly hosts for the 20th series (BBC)

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So far the BBC and ITV have agreed on what games they will air up until the end of November.

But it’s the World Cup knock out games on Saturday, December 3 and Saturday, December 10 – which both air at 7pm – that could cause some chaos with scheduling.

If the BBC screen one or both of the games, they will need to find a new slot for the celebrating dancing show during those weeks.

A source told the Daily Star : “It’s a major headache and die-hard fans will be fuming if Strictly gets taken off air because of football.”

The Mirror has approached the BBC for comment.

Some of the Strictly final shows may have to be rescheduled (PA)

This year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up includes former Corrie actress Kym Marsh, X Factor star Fleur East, singer Matt Goss, paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds and Loose Women’s Kaye Adams.

Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps actor Will Mellor, football legend Tony Adams, EastEnders star James Bye, comics Jayde Adams and Ellie Taylor, radio DJs Richie Anderson Tyler West and wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin have also been signed up.

Britain’s Got Talent and CBBC star Mollie Rainford and Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton complete the 15-strong string of celebs competing the the Glitterball trophy.

The first show is expected to air on Saturday, September 17 – and this year’s celebs are already super excited.

This year's line-up has already been revealed (Twitter)

Giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the show, Paralympic swimmer Ellie – who is the first person with dwarfism to ever appear on Strictly – posed for a photo outside her dressing room door.

She told her 54,000 Instagram followers: “Eeeeeeek... it’s all getting real! The nerves and excitement have gone up a notch!”

The 27-year-old added: “And I seem to be feeling the Strictly vibe already with that pointed toe!”

Excited Ellie is the first person with dwarfism to appear on Strictly (Instagram)

Speaking exclusively with The Mirror, Ellie said she can’t wait to show more diversity on the BBC show after deaf EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis won the Glitterball with partner Giovanni Pernice last year.

She said: “I’ll be so, so nervous, and I will try not to think of all the people watching.

“I am the first dwarf doing the show, I will show how positive that is, that to be different is OK.”

*Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on September 17

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