BBC controller pleased with Strictly's "inventiveness"

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: September 24 2020 | 12:50

Last updated: September 25 2020 | 05:57

Kate Phillips, the BBC's controller of entertainment, lauds the producers of Strictly Come Dancing for getting the show on the air in spite of the problems caused by coronavirus.

The BBC's entertainment controller Kate Phillips has praised the team at Strictly Come Dancing for their "inventiveness" in getting the show on air this year.

The coronavirus pandemic provided a significant headache for the jewel of the BBC's autumn schedules but despite a delay to production, the show will return for a new series at the end of October.

In order to make the ballroom contest as safe as possible, various measures have been implemented - including pre-recording the group dances, having a smaller studio audience and requiring the contestants to form household 'bubbles' with their professional partners.

"Never have we needed some Strictly sparkle more," Phillips told reporters this week.

"As I'm sure you all agree, Strictly is the toughest show to get going under the current climate, but I cannot tell you how impressed we've been with the work BBC Studios have been doing.

"Not just to make sure that it is safe for everyone taking part in the show but also the inventiveness that we've seen. As challenges have emerged, new ideas have emerged and it really is a case of necessity is the mother of all invention."

Celebrities taking part this year include boxer Nicola Adams, former home secretary Jacqui Smith and comedian Bill Bailey.