Strictly Come Dancing bosses confirm show is back for full series

It's back.

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have revealed that the hit series is back in full - but there is one big twist. The iconic BBC dance contest is coming back as normal, after last year's series was reduced due to Covid-19, and didn't hit our screens until October. Back this year in the way we know and love it, it is set to come back in Autumn with all the usual themes returning this year after not having them for a year due to restrictions. And it gets better, all 15 couples will be competing compared to last year's 12 and they're hoping for a live audience this year. Executive producer Sarah James told the Mirror: "We’re so thrilled that 'Strictly' will be returning for a full-length series this year, and know how much viewers are looking forward to getting their full 'Strictly' fix and seeing the return of much-loved specials." But the big twist might come as a shock to some, with the entire series being filmed from the BBC studio. Sarah added: "We are all so sad that we won’t be able to get to Blackpool this year but can’t wait to be back dancing at the one and only Blackpool Tower Ballroom in the future." Insiders have said that an early decision was made on the Blackpool episode, but they decided it was safer to stay in one location than to travel with cast and crew. A source said: "Production had to make an early call on it and sadly couldn’t make it work due to the advanced planning and logistics required plus the uncertainty over the ever-changing Covid protocols." While it is back to normal, contestants will still need to isolate themselves in a local hotel before appearing on the show and pre-record the group numbers. And it will be the week before the show kicks off that we find out which celebrities will be paired with which professionals.