‘Strictly Come Dancing’ bosses may have to replace some professional dancers if they are locked out of Britain due to the coronavirus.
A number of the pros – including Nancy Xu, 28, from China, South African Johannes Radebe, 32, Sicilian Graziano Di Prima, 25, and Nadiya Bychkova, 30, who lives in Slovenia – are thought to have returned to their hometowns before the virus struck and lockdown ensued, but they may not be able to head back to the UK in time for the next series as travel services have shut their doors.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "’Strictly’ has been faced with so many issues because of the pandemic but this is one of the more pressing.
"Having so many popular stars worried about getting back into the country and others panicking about whether their visas will be held up is causing headaches."
BBC bosses are hoping to begin training for the Latin and ballroom dancing competition in July, and it is said they have already started to search for British professional dancers to replace those who may not be able to return in time.
They continued: "Dancers like Nancy Xu, who comes from China, are having to wait to find out whether delays caused by the virus will cause issues with their visas. And Johannes, Graziano and Nadiya are on standby to find out whether flights will be resuming.
"For the moment, a list of British professionals is being drawn up and they can be brought in to help with the early training stages."
What’s more, ‘Strictly’ are already looking to add two new dancers after fan favourites AJ Pritchard and Kevin Clifton left the show, but bosses may have limited options during the outbreak.
The insider added: "’Strictly’ had two slots to fill after AJ Pritchard and Kevin Clifton quit and it’s possible they’re going to have to stick with dancers closer to home.
"However the team’s main concern is ensuring the wellbeing of dancers and they’re doing everything they can to get the stars back."
Strictly stars locked out of UK?
