Yahoo News Meet all the celeb and pro pairs in this year's Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing is one of the most beloved and long-running shows on British TV and while its format is failsafe, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it will be pretty different this year.
From couples forming support bubbles to social distancing in Claudia's upstairs area, the show has had to make significant changes in order to work in 2020.
Here's everything you need to know about Strictly 2020, including all the dancing duos...
Strictly Come Dancing 2020: Series length
The upcoming season is set to be shorter than we've previously been used to.
"The Strictly Come Dancing team are doing everything they can to bring the nation plenty of Strictly magic later this year," a spokesperson for the show said.
"To ensure we deliver the high standards audiences know and love, and in light of the ongoing considerations around COVID-19, this year’s series of Strictly will have a slightly shorter run than usual.
"The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course," it concluded.
Strictly Come Dancing 2020: Social distancing
While it was speculated that there wouldn't be a studio audience this year, we know that's not the case. There was a ticket draw open to the public, although the way it worked was different than previous years.
"To make the most of the limited space we'll have in the studio this year because of our social distancing measures, for the first time ever tickets will be allocated to groups of four, allowing you to come along as a family bubble / household group," the makers of the show said.
"We'll be able to seat family groups of four people from the same household / social bubble at cabaret tables and in balcony seating. Cabaret tables and balcony seats will be allocated randomly, in advance of your arrival at the studio."
Audience members will have to wear plain black face coverings throughout the show's recording and when on-site at Elstree Studios.
Pro dancers formed a household in a hotel in order to pre-record all the group dances ahead of the live shows.
At the time, judge Motsi Mabuse spoke about a recent series of Strictly's German equivalent, and how quarantine measures were used in that instance.
"We did have the dancers quarantined in the same hotel and everybody was very careful to really be really restricted from the studio to the hotel," she said.
"I guess if we want to take care of everyone's health we kind of have to stay together and there should be precautions so we are able to deliver the show," Motsi added.
Strictly Come Dancing 2020: judges
Due to travel restrictions, Bruno Tonioli's judging role will be rather different this year.
“For years and years I’ve spent two days of each week on the plane flying between London and LA," Bruno told The Sun.
“I leave America on Wednesday and come back every Sunday but now it’s impossible and, because of the current travel restrictions, it’s beyond my control.
“Under normal circumstances I take a deep breath and do the travel. I love the show and love to do it and normally I’m destroyed by Christmas, but this year is different for everyone.
“Under the current restrictions they just won’t allow it. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
"Vivacious, flamboyant and rambunctious, Bruno Tonioli's infectious energy has delighted Strictly audiences for seventeen series. Whilst circumstances have meant that Bruno is currently in Los Angeles, he's determined to be part of the Strictly series this year," a statement released by Strictly read.
"Bruno will be keeping a close eye on the series throughout the run and will be involved remotely in the Sunday night Results show each week, from across the pond. Plus, Bruno will be making his grand return to the show full time towards the end of the series."
Bruno said of his newly-shaped role: "I absolutely adore being part of Strictly and can't wait to see what incredible dancing this year has in store! Lockdown has resulted in me being in LA for the foreseeable, but I'm excited to be involved as much as I possibly can. There was no cha-cha-chance I'd miss out!"
Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood will be judging as per previous series.
Strictly is making use of some government exemptions from social distancing rules to allow its dancers to perform together.
"We’re using Close Contact Cohorts, which is an industry workplace guideline, and also support bubbles," executive producer Sarah James said.
"Close Contact Cohorts basically apply to people who need to be able to work more closely together, and break social distancing in order to do their job. It has to be an exclusive CCC so it has to just be with one person and you are regularly tested to be in a CCC.
"On top of that, we are also asking our celebrities and dancers to be part of an exclusive support bubble... that means that one half of the party has to live alone. So, either the dancer or the celebrity will be living on their own in order to form the exclusive support bubble," she said.
Sarah has also spoken about a different kind of feel in Claudia's upstairs area.
While Tess keeps things smooth sailing on the dance floor, Claudia is known for running a raucous upstairs area that's bustling and filled with laughter. While we're sure there'll be plenty of jokes flying still, it's set to be much quieter this season.
"Claudia will obviously only be able to speak to one couple at a time in her area and we won't be able to have all of the cast up there like usual, but Claudia is so brilliant with the people and with the contestants so I have no doubt that she'll still be able to have lots of fun just with one couple," Sarah said.
"The other couples will be watching from the audience this year. We've got distanced tables for them and they will all be able to watch each other, so I think we'll still really get that sense of camaraderie and have them all being able to support each other. We've come up with some other creative fun ideas of things that we can do up in Claudia's area."
Strictly Come Dancing 2020: Celebrity contestants
The contestants confirmed to be taking part are:
Actor Caroline Quentin, dancing with Johannes Radebe.
Ex American football player Jason Bell, dancing with Luba Mushtuk.
The Wanted Singer Max George, dancing with Dianne Buswell.
Good Morning Britain journalist and presenter Ranvir Singh, dancing with Giovanni Pernice.
Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo, dancing with Aljaž Škorjanec.
Olympic boxer Nicola Adams OBE, dancing with Katya Jones.
Nicola announced that she's going to be part of the show's first same-sex pairing.
"I wanted to thank the BBC for supporting me and making me the first ever all female-pairing; and it’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry," she said.
Comedian, musician and actor Bill Bailey, dancing with Oti Mabuse.
Television presenter, former Royal Marine and Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers, dancing with Amy Dowden.
Reality TV star Jamie Laing, dancing with Karen Hauer.
EastEnders actor Maisie Smith, dancing with Gorka Marquez.
Popstar HRVY, dancing with Janette Manrara.
He's a pop sensation, a TV presenter and now a future #Strictly star! Welcome HRVY to SCD!
👉https://t.co/afDauKyLSc @HRVY pic.twitter.com/DPXtWGN3YK— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 4, 2020
Former Home Secretary and political broadcaster Rt Hon Jacqui Smith, dancing with Anton Du Beke.
Strictly Come Dancing 2020: Pro dancers
The pro dancer line-up has been revealed as Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Anton Du Beke, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Janette Manrara, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, and Oti Mabuse.
"We have four professional dancers who won't be partnering celebrities, this year. They are Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Graziano di Prima and Nancy Xu. So, we have two males and two females and they will be forming CCCs together so that they are able to dance in the guest music acts," Sarah James said.
Former dancer Kevin Clifton - who won the series last year with celebrity partner Stacey Dooley - confirmed that he was leaving the show after seven years.
The 37-year-old star announced the news on Twitter, revealing that he was stepping down to focus on other aspects of his career.
"The past seven years have been some of the most wonderful of my life,"Kevin posted. "I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been part of something truly special."
Another pro not returning is AJ Pritchard. In a social media statement announcing his departure, AJ's team said:
"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."
Strictly Come Dancing 2020: air date
The launch show aired on 17 October, and the live shows will begin on 24 October.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.
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