Strictly bosses ‘enforce new rules including banning entourages and chemistry circles to ensure show goes ahead amid COVID-19 pandemic’
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly enforced new rules to ensure the upcoming series goes ahead amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to sources, executives are said to be ‘devising 100 different formats’ to align with current guidelines as filming prepares to take place in Elstree Studios for a start date of October 24.
The restrictions include putting a limit on the amount of people allowed on set, as well as excluding ‘chemistry circles’ in auditions, which sees contestants alternate in ‘sexy’ dances with professionals so producers can decide ‘who look good together’.
Changes: Strictly bosses have reportedly enforced new rules to ensure the upcoming series goes ahead amid the pandemic (hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly in 2019)
A BBC source told The Sun: ‘Preparing for this year’s show is a huge headache. The goalposts keep moving, so the big decisions are being left to the last minute so we’re as up to date as possible.
‘But any concrete things we can decide on now, we are doing. Making one hit series is hard enough. As things stand, we are having to plan for hundreds. The slightest change to the rules could have a massive impact on how the show is filmed. Many [celebs] are weighing up their options, so Strictly still doesn’t have a full line-up.’
The insider claimed the competition will be held in a near-empty, no-audience studio with a scaled-back crew consisting of only 25 per cent of the usual team for the first time in the show’s 16-year history.
The new norm: Filming will take place with a no-audience, scaled-back crew for a October 24 start date (Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli pictured)
Minimal: The restrictions include putting a limit on the amount of people allowed on set (MIC’s Jamie Laing and his girlfriend Sophie Habboo pictured in the audience last year)
A show source added: ‘Elstree is a very cosy set-up, where it will be impossible to safely socially distance audience members. So for now, with the current rules, it’s a ‘no’ to anyone watching. Everything in terms of people is being scaled back dramatically. There will be less security because there’s no audience to control.’
The stars, as well as judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli – if he manages to return from filming Dancing With The Stars in the US in time, will reportedly not be permitted to bring their loved ones, agents, or beauty experts to the studio.
Another aspect of the series that is believed to have changed is the partnering process, which could be decided on height alone as opposed to the celebs performing salsa dances in a circle with all ballroom experts.
Switching things up: Stars could be partnered up according to height rather than auditioning in ‘sexy’ group dances called ‘chemistry circles’ (Oti Mabuse and Kelvin Fletcher pictured)
As reported earlier this month, live performances from the world’s biggest artists could be pulled due to safety precautions.
Many superstars including Taylor Swift, Andrea Bocelli and Kylie Minogue have graced the famous ballroom to accompany the dancers.
But this year’s group dances are being pre-recorded, meaning the live performances could be a thing of the past.
Janette Manrara recently told the publication that executives have been taking inspiration at how the US and German versions of Strictly have been conducting their versions.
The dance expert, 36, revealed the professionals kicked off rehearsals last month, and are still unaware if they’ll have to isolate with their celebrity partners.
MailOnline has contacted BBC representatives for further comment.
Following their lead: Janette Manrara (pictured with Will Bayley) said bosses have been taking inspiration at how the US and German versions of Strictly have been conducting their versions