Strictly Come Dancing still planned to air in September

A lot of other TV shows have been postponed due to the Coronavirus

Author: Alex RossPublished 7th Apr 2020
Last updated 2nd Sep 2020

The world of TV and film has been almost put on standstill since the outbreak of Coronavirus, with shows such as Line of Duty, Little Mix: The Search, Peaky Blinders and Loose Women all suspending filming.

And whilst the nation's favourite soaps are also running on a reduced timetable, bosses of popular show Strictly Come Dancing have vowed to do everything possible to still get the show on air in it's usual Autumn slot.

Strictly, which historically airs its launch show in September to unveil the celebrities taking part, usually then runs through all the way to December, with a live show each Saturday night.

And despite the global pandemic right now, bosses are hopeful the show will go on.

Speaking BBC Essex, BBC's Dan McGolpin said, 'It wouldn't be the same if we didn't have Strictly in the autumn, would it? So no of course the BBC is doing everything it can, and I know that everyone involved in that production team would absolutely love that to happen this Autumn."

He added, "So we've really just got to keep watching the government advice, thinking about what's possible.

"And if there's any way of bringing Strictly back this autumn, then we absolutely will. That's very much our intentions, so yeah fingers crossed."

Check out the full rumoured line-up for Strictly Come Dancing below:

Chris Whitty

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has been an integral part of the team during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if rumours are anything to go by, Strictly bosses are doing everything in their power to sign him up for the 2021 series.

Vicky McClure

Following the popularity and success of Line of Duty, main actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2021 series of Strictly. According to the bookies, Vicky is 11/10 to join the show.

Gregory Piper

Another Line of Duty star rumoured to switch the cop cars for the dancefloor is Gregory Piper, who played the role of PC Ryan Pilkington in the hit drama.

Perri Kiely

Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely recently confessed he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."

Tom Malone Jr

After leaving Gogglebox earlier this year, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."

Munroe Bergdorf

Model Munroe Bergdorf has revealed she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.

She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."

Carrie Symonds

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds has also been a name on the rumour mill. However, judge Shirley Ballas seemed to dismiss these claims recently, telling Metro.co.uk: "99.9999%, it is a family show, it's not a political agenda."

Cheryl

After jumping over to the BBC for The Greatest Dancer, following her stint as a judge on The X Factor, rumours have continuously linked Cheryl to Strictly Come Dancing, so will she appear in 2021?

Tommy Fury

After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.

Maya Jama

TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2020 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.

Alan Carr

Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women last year where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part, so will we see him on the 2021 series?

Michelle Keegan

Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.

But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times, "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."

Meanwhile, in other Strictly news, after Kevin Clifton announced he was leaving the show after seven great years, popular dancer AJ Pritchard also quit, just weeks after he was announced as one of this year's professionals.

Admitting he would like to get into TV presenting with his brother, Love Island's Curtis Pritchard, AJ told fans via a BBC statement, "After four years on Strictly Come Dancing, AJ has decided the time is right to leave the show and follow his dreams to explore opportunities in the presenting world alongside his brother Curtis. AJ would like to thank the team at Strictly and everyone at the BBC for giving him such a brilliant opportunity. AJ would also like to send his love and gratitude to all who have followed and supported his career. He is excited for you all to join him on the next chapter of his journey."

Find out everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing right here.

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