Strictly Come Dancing’s executive-producer has shared more details about the COVID-19 precautions the show are taking ahead of its’ return.
The popular dance competition sees a celebrity pair up with a professional dancer, and is set to return to our screens in October.
Executive-producer Sarah James explained that if a dancer or a celebrity contestant tests positive for coronavirus, they will be forced to leave the show.
“Unfortunately if you receive a positive test, that means you wouldn’t be able to continue in the competition,” she explained.
“According to guidelines, you would have to isolate for two weeks and that would rule you out,” she added.
In order to comply with “close contact cohort” guidelines in the UK, Sarah explained that either the professional dancer or the celebrity contestant will have to live away from their family during the show.
“Close contact cohort applies to people who need to be able to work more closely together with one person and are regularly tested.
“We are also asking our celebrities and dancers to be part of an exclusive support bubble that means that one half of the party has to live alone.”
Sarah added that contestants would not be allowed to mix with each other, and that Claudia Winkleman will only chat to one couple at a time.
“The other couples will be watching from the audience this year, we have distanced tables for them opposite the judges’ side.
“They will all be able to watch each other, so I think you will still get that sense of camaraderie and of them being able to support each other.
“We’ve come up with some other creative fun ideas of things we can do in Claudia’s area and we are also including Bruno in the results show.”
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