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Strictly Come Dancing bosses devise ‘hundreds’ of formats in case coronavirus rules change

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ bosses have devised "hundreds" of potential formats for this year’s show in case regulations change amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The BBC recently confirmed the Latin and ballroom show is to take place this year with a slightly shorter run than usual, and it has now been revealed "big decisions" are being "left to the last minute" so producers know what the latest guidelines are.

A BBC source said: "Preparing for this year’s show is a huge headache. The goalposts keep moving, so the big decisions are being left to the last minute so we’re as up to date as possible.

"But any concrete things we can decide on now, we are doing. Making one hit series is hard enough. As things stand, we are having to plan for hundreds.

"The slightest change to the rules could have a massive impact on how the show is filmed.

"But everyone is determined to get this thing on screen and in a way that is as close to the normal version as possible."

It was recently confirmed the professional dancers will isolate in a hotel for four weeks to rehearse their group dances, and it is now said the show might take place without an audience and there is expected to be fewer security guards on the set.

A show source told The Sun newspaper: "The current plan is no audience, which will inevitably affect the show.

"Everything in terms of people is being scaled back dramatically. There will be less security because there’s no audience to control.

"Anyone deemed non-essential is a goner."

It is also said there won’t be any entourages for the judges – Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Bruno Tonioli, who is expected to miss this year’s series because he is in the US – nor will they have a hair and make-up team "waiting on them hand and foot".

‘Strictly’ pro Dianne Buswell recently confirmed the show’s professional dancers will isolate in a hotel this year.

She said: "We’ll be all getting together in a hotel and we’ll be doing all our routines, all our pro numbers, together. It’s gonna be a lot of fun actually.

"I think we’re all very excited for it."