Arlene Phillips, 77, claims Strictly Come Dancing will ‘absolutely’ work with social distancing measures in place as she believes show bosses ‘will make it work’
She was a judge for Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2008.
And Arlene Phillips discussed her thoughts on the show returning to screens with social distancing measures put in place during an appearance on Wednesday’s edition of Lorraine.
Of whether the show will work with strict measures to combat the coronavirus crisis, the professional choreographer, 77, explained: ‘It may not be the big show, but it will be a Strictly show that people will come back and watch
Supportive: Arlene Phillips, 77, claimed on Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain that Strictly Come Dancing will ‘absolutely’ work with social distancing measures in place
‘If they’ve got all of the celebrities and professionals in a bubble so they can actually perform together then absolutely.
‘I think people have been yearning for it so they will make it work.’
BBC director of content Charlotte Moore spoke at the Edinburgh TV Festival recently, and confirmed that Strictly was ‘absolutely coming back’ and the celebrity line-up will be be confirmed at the end of the month.
Charlotte added that it will be a ‘special series’ this year with a shorter run, and that due to the current circumstances ‘the dances will have real poignancy.’
It’s possible: Arlene said, ‘If they’ve got all of the celebrities and professionals in a bubble so they can actually perform together then absolutely’
It’ll happen: Arlene went on to say that as ‘people have been yearning’ to see the show that meant that show bosses ‘will make it work’
Strictly Come Dancing told MailOnline: ‘As we continue to follow the latest guidance from Public Health England and industry guidelines, we are considering isolating the dancers and key production members to enable our much-loved group numbers to continue.
‘We’re incredibly proud of our professional dancers for their dedication to the show and their commitment to showcasing their love of dance to the nation.
‘The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course.’
This year’s Strictly is set to start in October instead of the usual start in early September and will be several weeks shorter than normal.
Opinion: Arlene added that ‘it may not be the big show, but it will be a Strictly show that people will come back and watch’
Back in the day: Arlene was a judge for Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2008
Earlier this month it was reported that show executives are ‘devising 100 different formats’ to align with current guidelines as filming prepares to take place in Elstree Studios for a start date of October 24.
The restrictions include putting a limit on the amount of people allowed on set, as well as excluding ‘chemistry circles’ in auditions, which sees contestants alternate in ‘sexy’ dances with professionals so producers can decide ‘who look good together’.
A BBC source told The Sun: ‘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.
Distanced: BBC director of content Charlotte Moore spoke at the Edinburgh TV Festival recently, and confirmed that Strictly was ‘absolutely coming back’
Limitations: The restrictions include putting a limit on the amount of people allowed on set, as well as excluding ‘chemistry circles’ in auditions, which sees contestants alternate in dances
‘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. Many [celebs] are weighing up their options, so Strictly still doesn’t have a full line-up.’
The insider claimed the competition will be held in a near-empty, no-audience studio with a scaled-back crew consisting of only 25 per cent of the usual team for the first time in the show’s 16-year history.
Just in case: Earlier this month it was reported that show executives are ‘ devising 100 different formats’ to align with current guidelines as filming prepares to take place