The BBC has confirmed that the annual Strictly Come Dancing special in Blackpool will not take place this year.
A BBC spokesperson said that while the contestants will not actually go to the Tower Ball Hall in Blackpool in 2020, they will still be “celebrating the famous place” of Elstree Studio.
It follows the changes made to the show due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Starting in October, the upcoming BBC One series will be shorter than usual.
The contestants will stay in a hotel for two weeks before pre-registration for all group dances.
- Strictly’s full 2020 lineup
One of the highlights of the series is Blackpool’s strict annual special, contestants and professional dancers alike, which was filmed in one of the country’s most historic ballrooms.
The show has been filming on location since 2004, taking regular breaks. However, since 2013 there has been a Blackpool special annually.
Blackpool is famous as the home of dance, having hosted the Blackpool Dance Festival since 1920. The event is Taking place online this year As a result of the Coronavirus.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Blackpool is a defining moment in every series so meticulously looked forward to by our fans, our celebrities and professional dancers.
“While we won’t be able to actually go to Blackpool this series, we’ll still celebrate and bring this iconic place to life from our studio at Elstree.”
It comes after the former interior minister Jackie Smith is confirmed to be the 12th and final celebrity contestant For the year 2020.
Smith will be joined by stars including Bill Bailey, Clara Amphu, and Hervey.
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