Strictly Come Dancing bosses unveil plans for a 'shorter series' amid coronavirus pandemic

BBC bosses have been forced to make some serious changes to ensure Strictly Come Dancing can go ahead this year, after the country was put on national lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis.

After weeks of speculation as to whether the series would be axed completely, sources have now confirmed it WILL go ahead but with certain changes to ensure the safety of cast and crew.

This year's series of Strictly will be two weeks shorter than previous years and start two weeks later than normal to allow for the professional dancers to isolate between filming the group dances and starting training with their celebrity partners.

According to The Sun, a show insider said, “BBC bosses were adamant they would do anything to keep their biggest show on air, and this proves that.

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“But they’ve decided that pushing it back gives them more time to get stuff pre-recorded safely, and more time to iron out any other issues.”

It is also thought fewer celebrities will take part to make sure the final can still air in its pre-Christmas TV slot. All the group dances will be pre-recorded, with the professionals isolating in a hotel together for the duration of filming for that.

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An insider said: “Once all group numbers are recorded in August, the pro dancers must spend two weeks isolating before the next stage."

While it is thought more celebrities will be willing to take part than ever due to the lack of work around, the need to isolate could throw a spanner in the works when it comes to booking the celebs.

"With celebs, we’ve no trouble getting them as there is little other work around – but the need to isolate means the timings are against us.”

Although there are going to be some big changes to the nation's favourite TV show, everything possible is being done behind-the-scenes to ensure Strictly can live on for another year.

A Strictly spokesman said: "The Strictly Come Dancing team are doing everything they can to bring the nation plenty of Strictly magic later this year.

"To ensure we deliver the high standards audiences know and love, and in light of the ongoing considerations around COVID-19, this year’s series of Strictly will have a slightly shorter run than usual.

"The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course."