‘Strictly Come Dancing’ bosses look set to restrict celebrity guests and friends from this year’s show.
The BBC Latin and ballroom competition – which saw Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse take home the Glitterball Trophy last year – are going to great lengths to ensure this year’s show goes ahead following the coronavirus outbreak, and one option could be to only allow a "minimum" number of guests to watch the live performances.
An insider told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "Strictly’s the biggest show on TV so it’s like a party every Saturday night when the show is on. Guests of judges, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli are usually invited to enjoy drinks before watching the show. The celebs and some of the dancers will often have guests too.
"It means the studios are always jam packed. But because of the on-going pandemic, it’s going to have to stop. This year guests are being kept to an absolute minimum. There will be no entourages or endless guests anymore."
What’s more, the contestants and judging panel will have their makeup and hair done off-site as the glam squad have been ditched to ensure the stars stick to social distancing guidelines.
They added: "Even the glam squads are getting the boot. Make-up and hair for the judges will be done off-site, with touch ups being done by a smaller team during the show for them and the celebs.
"Of course it’s not the best news for those super fans of the show but ultimately, the safety of everyone who works on ‘Strictly’, and those performing, is the priority."
It comes after reports ‘Strictly’ bosses may seat the audience around tables to ensure social distancing guidelines are being met.
A source previously said: "’Strictly’ bosses know a huge part of the atmosphere of the show is the audience.
"Even though the social distancing would mean fewer people in the studio, it’s much better than nothing."
There is even a chance bosses could stick with the new look if it proves to be a popular change.
The source added: "The idea of the tables is a smart one because it would give the studio the feel of an old-school cabaret club. If it proves successful, they may even consider keeping it."