Dancing With The Stars judge Loraine Barry has slammed RTÉ’s decision to cancel the show’s upcoming series.
Earlier this month, RTÉ confirmed the next season of the hit TV show wouldn’t be going ahead, as they felt it was too “risky” amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Loraine admitted she was “shocked” over their decision, as the production team had come up with a plan to make the show work.
“I was shocked that the show was cancelled. To me, if they can get Strictly out and eight other shows in the UK out then they could have got DWTS out,” she said.
“So much work had already been done by the production company. Health and safety is number one – we have a pandemic – but at this time, I just feel that we all have to find solutions to keep our lives going.”
“I truly felt that ShinAwil had put in so much work with the guidelines of the BBC, because they are going ahead with their show,” she continued.
“We were going to introduce Pods, and the idea of that was terrific. We were all going to be in pods and therefore, if anyone would catch it, that pod would be shut down and the show could go on.”
“We can’t keep watching all these repeats on TV, we need something real, something that is happening that reflects these strange times.”
“And seeing us doing the show with strict guidelines would have given the Irish public that fix of Sunday night entertainment and I think the Irish public are pretty devastated at losing the show as well.”
“They are making other shows (like Fittest Families and First Dates) so I really don’t understand this decision,” Loraine stressed.
“I am an honest person and I am just so sad at this decision and I totally understand the pandemic and health and safety is number one and we are responsible.
“But with all the other shows taking place there is something missing. Something just doesn’t feel right.”
Loraine spoke out after ShinAwil boss Larry Bass released a statement addressing the show’s “devastating” cancellation.
During the latest episode of #GossChats, social media star and TV presenter James Patrice addresses the recent cancellation of Dancing With The Stars, being single during lockdown and creating viral hits with his family.
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