Strictly Come Dancing bosses 'planning to book stars without young families and who can stay away from home for long periods' if coronavirus lockdown continues
The upcoming 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing has been under threat as bosses work out how to film the show if lockdown continues.
And now bookers for the flagship BBC show have reportedly been asked to secure stars without young families, and are able to stay away from home for long periods in case the cast need to quarantine.
A source has told The Sun: 'One measure being looked at is booking stars who do not have young dependents.
New measures: Strictly Come Dancing bookers have now allegedly been asked to sign stars without young families and are able to stay away from home for long periods if needs be
'If there is a worst-case scenario and the celebs have to quarantine before and during the series, it would mean weeks away from their children.
Share this article
'They want to minimise the risk of anyone who is booked getting cold feet at the thought of having to be away from home for such a long time.'
The future of the show has been under question since the UK went into coronavirus lockdown on March 23.
The show must go on! A source has told The Sun : 'One measure being looked at is booking stars who do not have young dependents
Professional dancer Neil Jones recently revealed he's hopeful that the BBC series will return this year, as he said: 'I think it's going to go ahead!'
Production of the show has been halted amid the coronavirus pandemic, with speculation rife over whether it will return amid social distancing rules as it demands close physical contact from celebrity contestants and professional dancers.
Speaking in an interview with Fubar radio, Neil discussed Strictly's possible return this year, with the dancer saying that there will be a 'meeting' to update them on what is happening as so far nothing has been confirmed.
Questions for the future: The future of the show has been under question since the UK went into coronavirus lockdown on March 23
He said to hosts Stephen Leng and Joanna Chimonides: 'I think it’s going to go ahead but it’s all about how it’s going to work.
'It’s going to be pretty hard to dance with someone two metres away. I think we’re going to have a meeting soon and then we’re just going to find out what’s going on.'
Judge Shirley Ballas has said she is '99% sure' Strictly will return and when it does it will honour those who have helped fight coronavirus.
The head judge, 59, said she believes people will need the glitz and glamour of the show when the weather gets colder.
She told Hello! magazine: 'Of course everything changes day-to-day but I have spoken to Strictly's executive producer, and I am 99% sure that we will be on screens in one form or another.
Hopeful: Professional dancer Neil Jones recently revealed he's hopeful that the BBC series will return this year, as he said: 'I think it's going to go ahead!'
'We all realise that when the colder months come, we need some glitz and glamour - it's like going to Hollywood or Vegas and it's something that the whole family can enjoy.
'It's imperative that that show goes ahead so you can bet your trolley they are doing their best to get it on.'
Ballas said she has some thoughts on who she would like to see take part, adding: 'I have always wanted anyone from the royal family.'
Staying positive: Judge Shirley Ballas has said she is '99% sure' Strictly Come Dancing will return to television later this year
