Strictly celebrities may have to isolate with pros this year — leaving them vulnerable to curse
THE stars of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing will have to isolate with their professional partners in a bid to reduce the risk posed by coronavirus.
Plans put together by the BBC revealed the celebrities and pro dancers will stay together during filming for the BBC show — with a proposed two-week period of being shacked up before the series even begins.
Insiders said the move has left BBC executives panicked about the Strictly curse — but bosses remain determined to ensure the popular series makes it to air at all costs.
A source said: “There is a plan to move in the stars with their pro dance partner to reduce the risk of anyone falling ill.
“One suggestion is to keep them together along with a crew member in a bid to avoid the Strictly curse — because everyone is worried about the prospect of that happening again.
“It caused a lot of panic at the top of the chain as they hate any scandal being linked to the show, which is a household family favourite.
“Hopefully some of the restrictions will be lifted in the coming weeks.”
The source added: “It poses a real headache for pros like married couple Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec – who would have to spend the competition apart unless restrictions relax again.
“And Anton Du Beke, who is normally partnered with an older celebrity, may have to spend the competition apart from his family unless his show partner is single.
“It has been a mammoth task in terms of planning for the production team but every eventuality is being prepared for.
“If the lockdown tightens up again then the most extreme plan will be put into action — and if it relaxes it will all be reviewed again.”
The drastic plan is just one of many implemented by the BBC in a bid to keep the hit series on air.
Last week the broadcaster confirmed to The Sun they were planning to pre-record all the professional’s group dances next month.
And the show’s booker, Stefania Alekander, was headhunting celebs without children as they would be more likely to be willing to stay away from home for prolonged periods of time.
Most read in TV
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk