Strictly distancing: dance judge Shirley Ballas says TV show can go on amid Covid-19

Ballroom dancer and television show judge Shirley Ballas has suggested that Strictly Come Dancing could return to screens with contestants “distancing dancing” as lockdown measures are eased.
By Ilona Amos
Published 4th Jun 2020, 16:45 BST

The head judge, 59, said she had sent the hit BBC One show’s producers an example of how celebrities and their professional partners could perform without touching.

Ballas said the method would be “challenging” but could make the show more interesting to viewers.

Appearing on Loose Women, she said: “I spoke to the executive producer Sarah and I am 99 per cent sure the show will go on in some format.

Strictly's Shirley Ballas, seen here with fellow judge Bruno Tonioli, has said the hit television show could continue while social-distancing measures are in placeStrictly's Shirley Ballas, seen here with fellow judge Bruno Tonioli, has said the hit television show could continue while social-distancing measures are in place
Strictly's Shirley Ballas, seen here with fellow judge Bruno Tonioli, has said the hit television show could continue while social-distancing measures are in place

“Of course, they are discussing.

“It has been ongoing discussions and they will find a way to do it.

“I did send an example of distancing dancing, so you can do that. A little bit more difficult, challenging, but interesting.

“I am absolutely positive that they will bring the best that they can.

“I couldn't imagine the autumn and the winter months without the show, the glitz, the glamour, and I think everybody is looking forward to it.”

Ballas, who is in lockdown with her partner Daniel Taylor, also addressed the idea that celebrities and their professional partners could move in together for the duration of the show, in order to become a household and abide by social distancing measures.

Referring to the so-called Strictly curse, she said: “That could make things rather exciting, if that were to happen.

“As long as the judges can move in too, we’ll be fine”

Ballas has previously said the show will honour the NHS staff working on the front line of the pandemic when it returns in autumn.

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