MX23RW : Monday, May 20 10:12:02| >> :600:122532650:122532650:

Strictly Come Dancing 'cut from 13 weeks to nine'

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will reportedly be slashed from 13 weeks down to nine.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will be even shorter than first thought, according to a report.

The BBC is pressing ahead with the ballroom contest despite the complications caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with additional health and safety measures being put into place on set.

Last week the BBC confirmed that the new series had been pushed back until mid-October and now The Sun reports that it has been cut short by four weeks and will air over nine weeks instead of the usual 13.

"BBC bosses are doing everything in their power to give the public as much Strictly as they possibly can and safely," a source told the newspaper.

"A heavily-reduced schedule gives them a lot longer to pre-record certain segments to minimise risk. It does mean it will be starting much later in the year, and will finish very close to Christmas with the final currently scheduled for December 19."

The news means that the new series, which will be the shortest since the first series in 2004, will not begin on BBC One until October 24.

ID:404608: cacheID:404608:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1785:

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

Media Mole Low-Price Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £19 a month + £0 upfront fee for 18 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends 23rd May 2024

Restore Data
Share this article now:
Cheryl Cole pictured in May 2016
Read Next:
Bruno Tonioli happy to be replaced by Cheryl Cole on Strictly Come Dancing
>
rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Monday, May 20


MasterChef: BBC One, 8pm
Finals Week kicks off with the contestants embarking on an epic culinary trip to Singapore

Imposter: The Man Who Came Back From The Dead: Channel 4, 10pm
The bizarre story of a man who woke from a COVID coma in Scotland, only to be accused of being a notorious US criminal

Made in Chelsea: E4, 9pm
Some of the gang head off to Mauritius, where there are tensions between Tristan and Sam Vanderpump and potential sparks for Freddy and Jazz

EastEnders: BBC One, 7.30pm and iPlayer, from 6am
Whitney and Zack prepare to say their vows - but will all run smoothly? (No.)

The Fortune Hotel: ITV1, 9pm
After a shock swap last time, the cases are about to be opened...