How Strictly will carry on dancing despite the coronavirus pandemic

Strictly Come Dancing bosses, production crew and cast have rallied to ensure the show will go on, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

A flurry of changes have been made to the format and the dance competition will look a little different but, says executive producer Sarah James, the Strictly magic survives.

Live shows start next Saturday and run for nine weeks, with eliminations beginning on week two as usual. And the professional dancers have pre-recorded 14 group numbers to be aired during live shows.

Audiences can still enjoy themed weeks but some have been dropped. “We will have movie week and musicals week but we won’t have Halloween this year, although we have done a Halloween group number,” said Sarah. “Obviously we won’t be able to go up to Blackpool, but we will be doing a special celebration of Blackpool.”

Strictly has also introduced protocols to protect the celebrities, cast and crew during the pandemic. “We’re using Close Contact Cohorts (CCC), which is an industry workplace guideline, and support bubbles,” said Sarah.

“Close Contact Cohorts basically apply to people who need to break social distancing to do their job. It has to be an exclusive CCC with one person and you are regularly tested.

“We are also asking our celebrities and dancers to be part of an exclusive support bubble. That means one half of the party has to live alone. So, either the dancer or celebrity will be living on their own to form the exclusive support bubble.”

Dream team presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back to ensure the show runs smoothly. Sarah added: “Claudia will only be able to speak to one couple at a time in her area and we won’t be able to have all of the cast up there like usual. But Claudia is so brilliant with the people and with the contestants. I have no doubt she’ll still be able to have lots of fun.”

To supply the music, Dave Arch and a slightly reduced band will return to the live shows. Sarah said: “We aren’t able to fit the whole of the band in the band pit so parts will be pre-recorded earlier in the week. But Dave will be there, the singers will be there and a few other key members of the band.”