It’s been confirmed that this year’s series of
Strictly Come Dancing will be going ahead with a live studio audience, albeit in a slightly different way to usual.
A post on the BBC’s website has revealed that Strictly fans can now apply for tickets, which will be allocated in groups of four, with audience members watching the show at cabaret-style tables rather than the usual rows of seats.
This means people from the same household or social bubble will be able to sit together to watch the show, either at tables or in a balcony seating.
Audience members will have to wear face coverings as long as they are at Elstree Studios, where Strictly is filmed, with the
BBC stating: “We would be grateful if you could bring plain black face coverings.”It's time...https://t.co/FWXVp6caE7 Check it out before 10pm on 20th September!! pic.twitter.com/TSP3Fs6bWV— BBC Shows and Tours (@bbcshowstours) September 14, 2020Groups of fewer than four members will not be allowed to apply for tickets, “to allow us to make the most of the space in the studio”.
The listing also suggests that this year’s Strictly live shows will begin on Saturday 24 October, with filming also taking place on Monday 12 October, for what is presumably a pre-recorded launch show.
This year’s series will be markedly different to past runs, due to
Coronavirus restrictions.
For one thing, the show is running for less time than usual, with the number of contestants reduced to 12.
Long-serving judge Bruno Tonioli will also not be appearing on the panel for the first time in Strictly history, due to filming commitments in the US, where he lives most of the time.It’s also been revealed that Strictly will not be able to take its annual trip to Blackpool Tower in 2020, although producers will be paying tribute to the iconic ballroom in their own way.
All 12 of this year’s contestants have now been revealed, with Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo, comedian Bill Bailey and former home secretary Jacqui Smith among the stars taking part.
Olympic boxer Nicola Adams will be part of Strictly’s first ever same-sex pairing, while Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing will be returning, a year after an injury cost him his spot on the show.MORE STRICTLY: Craig Revel Horwood Has Already Started On This Year's Strictly Stars Before They've Even Danced A Step Strictly Come Dancing Forced To Axe Competition Landmark Due To Coronavirus Here's A Rundown Of The 12 Celebrities Taking Part In Strictly Come Dancing This Year