Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, 55, has revealed that BBC bosses will “move heaven and earth” to make sure the show goes ahead this year. The 2020 series of the dance competition, set to begin in the autumn, is believed to be in doubt due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing measures.
However, Craig has shared his belief that the programme will continue, even if it has to be filmed slightly differently.
The star told OK! Magazine: “I know the BBC will move heaven and earth to make it happen.”
Craig went on to suggest that producers would go without a studio audience and have limited staffing if necessary.
He continued: “Even if the lockdown is, God forbid, still in place by then, there are ways you can do it without an audience and on limited staffing.”
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The dance expert then shared his hopes for an X Factor favourite to join the show’s celebrity line-up.
He divulged to the publication: “I really want Simon Cowell to be a contestant.
“I think the nation would warm to him, and he’s not doing The X Factor this year so it’s perfect timing.”
Craig also shed some light on Strictly’s return when quizzed on the situation by Alex Jones on The One Show.
He revealed: “The producers are working very hard to bring it out at its normal time – so I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
“I know everyone at home will be willing it to go on because it’s such a great, great show.”
Craig’s comments come after an insider reportedly told The Sun that BBC bosses are putting plans together for the dancing duos to isolate together if social distancing measures are still in place.
The source said: “Strictly is so up in the air at the moment — but it is too important to the Beeb for plans not to be put in place.
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“The stars would be put into isolation with their pro partners over a week before the start of the series to avoid any risks of illness.”
Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas also declared that bosses will do “everything in their power” to get the show back on TV in September.
The Ballroom and Latin dancer told This Morning’s Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: “I spoke to Sarah, the executive producer, throughout the week, and of course you definitely don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but I know they will definitely do everything in their power, if it’s conceivably possible, they will get that show on the air by September.
“So, it’s fingers crossed, let’s see how we go day to day. But I know they understand it’s an important show for the nation, and I think people will be ready for that come the winter months.
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“If everyone self-isolates and we all do what we’re supposed to do then there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be up and running by the end of the year.”
Strictly professional Anton du Beke also recently shared his hopes that the series will be able to air as normal.
During an appearance on Channel 4’s The Steph Show, he explained: “I should think the pre-production of it should be going ahead as normal.
“It’s when we get into the studio – the pros get into the studio in August.
“So hopefully we will be out of it [lockdown] by then, so hopefully we can get back into the studio.”
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