MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 18:42:37| >> :600:121462300:121462300:

BBC 'planning normal-length Strictly Come Dancing this year'

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas says that producers are hopeful of holding a normal-length series this year.

Strictly Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas has revealed that producers are hopeful of putting on a normal-length series this year.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, last year's series was cut short by four weeks - running to just nine instead of the usual 13 - while the annual Christmas special was canned, as was the mid-series trip to Blackpool.

A year down the line, firm health and safety procedures are in place to enable TV shows to be filmed in a COVID-safe manner, and speaking to a fan on Cameo, Ballas suggested that those protocols will enable Strictly to get back closer to normal this year.

"Just a little something: I heard they're trying to do all 13 episodes this year," she said in quotes reported by The Sun.

"Last time we had nine. We're trying to get 13 shows on. I think they're getting used to the COVID thing."

Last year's series was the most watched in eight years, with the final drawing in more than 12.5 million viewers.

ID:434656: cacheID:434656:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2112:
Written by
Neil Wilkes

Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.

Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025

Restore Data
Share this article now:
HRVY and Janette Manrara on Strictly Come Dancing week six
Read Next:
Strictly Come Dancing: The final dances revealed
>
rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Monday, December 9


MasterChef: The Professionals: BBC One, 9pm
Finals week gets underway with judges Monica Galetti, Marcus Wareing and someone else whose name we forget

Made In Chelsea: E4, 10pm
Rez gets annoyed by the new-found bromance between Tristan and Miles, while Maeva decides to confront Jazz

Coronation Street: ITVX, from 7am and ITV1, 8pm
Shona goes for a clandestine meeting in a hotel room...

The 1% Club: ITV1, 9pm
It's back and it's weekday primetime, baby