Strictly Come Dancing stars ‘reeling’ over alleged ‘extreme’ lockdown rules ahead of new series

Pros will reportedly be unable to see friends and family once rehearsing begins

Strictly Come Dancing’s professional dancers face a six-week lockdown ahead of the hit BBC show’s return.

Dancers and crew will reportedly be staying at a central London hotel for four weeks from next month to rehearse the show’s group dances.

According to The Sun, they will be bussed to and from the network’s studios in Elstree, Herts, in order to record the routines.

The group, which includes last year’s champion Oti Mabuse, have been asked to then isolate from family and friends for a further two weeks before meeting their celebrity partners.

The measures have been signed off by BBC bosses to ensure that dancers and crew remain safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

A source said, “The crew and dancers are still reeling at being told how extreme the measures have to be. They’ve left one lockdown for another.”

The show insider also claimed that the dancers and crew members will be constantly tested for the virus.

It remains unclear whether a live audience will be present for the hit show’s 18th series.

Strictly has already faced filming setbacks. The show is a month behind schedule, airing from 24 October with a reduced run of nine weeks instead of the usual 13.

A BBC spokesman said: “Getting production up and running safely is our priority.”