4 years ago
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The annual Strictly Come Dancing special in Blackpool will not take place this year because of coronavirus.
A BBC spokesman said that while Covid-19 would prevent contestants from going to Blackpool's Tower Ballroom in 2020, they would still be "celebrating the iconic venue" from Elstree studio.
Beginning next month, the forthcoming series will be shorter than usual.
And contestants will be staying in a hotel for two weeks ahead of pre-recording all the group dances.
The show has also confirmed they will be able to rehearse, perform and go home to their family each night, in line with government guidelines.
Strictly's annual special, filmed in one of the country's most historic ballrooms, is seen by contestants and the professional dancers alike as one of the highlights of the series.
The town is renowned for being a home for ballroom dancing, having hosted the Blackpool Dance Festival since 1920. That event is taking place online this year as a result of coronavirus.
A BBC spokesman said: "Blackpool is a milestone moment in every series of Strictly that our audience, our celebs and professional dancers look forward to.
"Whilst we'll be unable to physically go to Blackpool this series, we'll still be celebrating this iconic venue and bringing it to life from our studio in Elstree."
It comes after former home secretary Jacqui Smith was confirmed as the 12th and final celebrity contestant for 2020.
Smith will join with stars including Bill Bailey, Clara Amfo, and HRVY.
