Strictly Come Dancing professionals will reportedly isolate together in a hotel for two weeks as bosses put forward drastic measures to ensure the show goes ahead later this year.
According to sources, the ballroom experts, including the likes of Oti Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Dianne Buswell, will be able to practise their group dances together in quarantine from next month amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Like many British shows, the dancers will be joined by a scaled-back crew, while the performances will be shot in a small studio and aired throughout the series.
Closer than ever: Strictly pros will reportedly isolate together in a hotel for two weeks as bosses put forward drastic measures to ensure the show goes ahead (pictured in 2019)
The Sun claims a BBC spokesperson said: ‘The BBC and the entire Strictly family are working hard to ensure everyone can enjoy some much needed Strictly sparkle later this year.
‘Our professional dancers are set to start rehearsing remotely at the end of July. As we continue to follow the latest guidance from Public Health England and industry guidelines, we are considering isolating the dancers and key production members to enable our much-loved group numbers to continue.
‘We’re incredibly proud of our professional dancers for their dedication to the show and their commitment to showcasing their love of dance to the nation. The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course.’
The publication also alleged the talented choreographers could isolate with their celebrity partners before the BBC favourite kicks off in September.
Upcoming: According to sources, the ballroom experts will be able to practise their group dances together in quarantine from next month amid the coronavirus crisis (pictured in 2018)
Going ahead? Like many British shows, the dancers will be joined by a scaled-back crew, while the performances will be shot in a small studio and aired during the series (pictured in 2019)
MailOnline has contacted a BBC spokesperson for further comment.
Last month, BBC Director of Content Charlotte Moore revealed producers are still assessing contingency plans such as enforcing a face mask rule, dancing two metres apart and quarantining celebrities and professional dancers.
Charlotte 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.’
She also said fans could see the show go on-air without a live audience, with the BBC also looking into testing participants’ temperatures and installing glass divides inside the studio ‘so that people feel even more protected’.
The Strictly set-up has included a live audience since the show first aired back in 2004, when it was fronted by Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly.
Never done before: Quarantining participants has also been considered as options (judges Bruno Tonioli, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood pictured)
Insiders previously claimed keeping participants in isolation was not plausible due to family ties.
They told MailOnline: ‘Strictly are looking at options. At this stage, there’s no chance they could isolate as individuals or couples. That would leave any married or parent dancers not seeing their families for up to three months.
‘At the moment, it’s not being considered. No one knows where we’ll be in the world – if the series is a much shorter run, say. The isolation is not something that’s currently on the table.’
Despite the recent claims, Charlotte insisted the option could now be on the table to enable filming goes on without breaching government guidelines.
Disappointment: Reports have also claimed judge Bruno is set to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing amid the global crisis
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.’
Reports have also claimed judge Bruno Tonioli is set to pull out of Strictly amid the global crisis.
The 64-year-old dance star is said to have prioritised the US series Dancing With The Stars over the UK version of the hit show.
A TV source told the Daily Star: ‘Travelling back and forth to the US isn’t likely to be possible this year. The primary concern is that regular flights would put Bruno at risk of catching the virus.
Decisions: The 64-year-old dance star is said to have prioritised the US series Dancing With The Stars over the UK version of the hit show
‘And on a logistical level he may need to quarantine every time he arrives back in Britain, which obviously isn’t viable if he needs to be back in the US just a few days later.’
Bruno has been warned against making regular flights across the Atlantic, especially given his age.
The insider said: ‘Producers don’t want to take any chances. Bruno’s health is the priority.’
It is thought that Strictly bosses are now looking for a new judge to work alongside Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood on the BBC show.
Bruno is a popular member of the judging panel and TV bosses fear his absence will lead to a fall in viewer numbers.
Craig, 55, recently revealed he remains confident the upcoming series will go ahead as planned.
He explained: ‘I’ve spoken to the producers and they’re working through absolutely everything to make it happen. I know, fingers crossed, it will.
‘There is some way around it, there has to be. People love the show, it’s great entertainment … We really want it back and I know BBC One are working extremely hard to make that happen for the audience.’
Replacement: It is thought that Strictly bosses are now looking for a new judge to work alongside Shirley, Motsi and Craig on the BBC show