Strictly announce they WILL have an audience – but only family bubbles of four are allowed in
STRICTLY Come Dancing have announced they will have a socially-distanced live studio audience when the new series starts next month.
The BBC ballroom stalwart is about to return to screens for its eighteenth instalment and now the safety measures they’ll be implementing to allow the show happen infront of an audience have been revealed.
Show producers have confirmed that family bubbles of four will be allowed watch the show at their Hertfordshire’s Elstree Studios.
The live studio audience will also be expected to wear face masks and of course, social distancing will be compulsory.
Revealing production’s plans, a tweet today read: “To make the most of limited space we’ll have in the studio this year because of our social distancing measures, for the first time ever tickets will be allocated to groups of four, allowing you to come along as a family bubble/household group.
“We’ll be able to seat family groups of up to four people from the same household/social bubble at cabaret tables and in balcony seating.
“Cabaret tables and balcony seats will be allocated randomly, in advance of your arrival at the studio.”
The latest news comes days after The Sun Online revealed that the series won’t be headed to the iconic Tower Ballroom in Blackpool for the first time in Strictly’s history.
The Blackpool show is usually a highlight of the series but has had to be cancelled this year because of Covid-19.
The BBC had exclusively confirmed to The Sun Online that the show’s stars are staying put.
“Blackpool is a milestone moment in every series of Strictly that our audience, our celebs and professional dancers look forward to,” a BBC spokeswoman said.
“Whilst we’ll be unable to physically go to Blackpool this series, we’ll still be celebrating this iconic venue and bringing it to life from our studio in Elstree.”
Meanwhile, the Sun revealed last week that BBC bosses also have a stand-by list of celebs who can step in if anyone ends up having to pull out due to the virus.
Last year the programme’s winner Kelvin Fletcher only graced the dancefloor because Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing – who is on this year – had to pull out with an injury.
“Nobody wants to see stars drop out with the virus. But it could happen,” the source added.
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“And if it does there are celebrities ready to step in and become a part of the show. The BBC are determined Strictly will go out and be a fantastic show.
“It remains the jewel in the Corporation’s crown and everyone will be delighted to see it back.”
In additional moves relatives, who have previously been able to be around during rehearsals, are also likely to be banned.