Although it doubtful if it would make a return in 2020, Strictly Come Dancing is set to make a comeback to the BBC this autumn.
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak means the hit reality competition will be cut short this year – with an October start date and fewer celebrities taking part.
This year, the show is set to face some major and dramatic changes, including increased social distancing and the potential axing of live music guests.
While bosses remain tight-lipped about what viewers can expect for the much-anticipated series, it’s been reported that the show premiere on Saturday 24th October – more than a month later than usual.
The stars of the 2020 series will battle it out each week until 19th December, the weekend before Christmas, when the winner will lift the infamous Glitterball Trophy.
The shorter run means that the upcoming series of Strictly will finish at just nine weeks in length which is a pretty significant reduction from the usual 13 weeks of glitz and glamour.
Despite the whittled down weeks, viewers will be treated to an extra special series this year.
The BBC’s Charlotte Moore previously revealed that there was “a lot of work” being done behind the scenes to make the show possible.
She told The Times: “We’re looking at how that would work. Could you quarantine people? Can we test everyone before filming? There’s a lot of work being done. It’s a big task.
Among this year’s contestants are actor Caroline Quentin, former NFL star Jason Bell, Max George from The Wanted, TV presenter Ranvir Singh, radio host Clara Amfo, Olympic gold medal-winning former boxer Nicola Adams, who will form one half of Strictly’s first-ever same sex pairing.
Meanwhile, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark-Neal will be returning as hosts.
Unfortunately, resident judge Bruno Tonioli will not appear on the Strictly 2020 judging panel.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bruno will stay put in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future.
Viewers are keeping their hopes up that the telly favourite may make a surprise appearance once the show begins in October.
