Shirley Ballas has insisted ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ bosses will do "everything in their power" to get the show on in September.
This year’s series of the BBC Latin and ballroom show is under threat due to the coronavirus pandemic – which has forced TV shows to stop filming as people self-isolate in their homes – but the programme’s head judge is hopeful the series will be able to get underway later this year.
She said: "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 ready for that come the winter months.
"Fingers crossed, 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."
Shirley also praised departing pro dancers Kevin Clifton and AJ Pritchard, who have both announced they will not return for the next series, and said everyone at the programme "wishes them well".
Speaking on ‘This Morning’ via video link, she added: "They’ve been a great part of the show. We love them, we wish them well, they’ve chosen to go onto other things, but the show will continue.
"I know they’ve got people to replace, so let’s just watch this space."
‘Strictly’ pro dancer Anton recently said he hopes the show will be able to go on.
He said: "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."
Shirley Ballas: Strictly bosses ‘will do everything’ to try to get show on in September
