Shirley Ballas 99% sure Strictly will go ahead in 2020
She think it's 'imperative' that the show goes ahead
Last updated 2nd Sep 2020
A lot of the nation's favourite TV shows like Line of Duty, Peaky Blinders, Love Island and The Apprentice have all been postponed due to the Coronavirus this year, so it's no surprise that fans of hit BBC dancing show Strictly Come Dancing are fearing the worst.
The show, which was won by former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher in 2019, usually airs in late September, running through until mid December on BBC.
But whilst it's being reported that bosses are doing everything in their power to ensure the show goes ahead as normal, head judge Shirley Ballas has now spoken about the matter, admitting she's 99% sure Strictly will be on TV this year.
Speaking to HELLO! Magazine, Shirley said, "Of course everything changes day-to-day but I have spoken to Strictly's executive producer, and I am 99 percent sure that we will be on screens in one form or another.
"We all realise that when the colder months come, we need some glitz and glamour – it's like going to Hollywood or Vegas and it's something that the whole family can enjoy.
"It's imperative that the show goes ahead so you can bet your trolley they are doing their best to get it on."
Check out the 2020 rumoured line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2020:
Chris Whitty
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has been an integral part of the team during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if rumours are anything to go by, Strictly bosses are doing everything in their power to sign him up for the 2021 series.
Vicky McClure
Following the popularity and success of Line of Duty, main actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2021 series of Strictly. According to the bookies, Vicky is 11/10 to join the show.
Gregory Piper
Another Line of Duty star rumoured to switch the cop cars for the dancefloor is Gregory Piper, who played the role of PC Ryan Pilkington in the hit drama.
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely recently confessed he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox earlier this year, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf has revealed she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Carrie Symonds
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds has also been a name on the rumour mill. However, judge Shirley Ballas seemed to dismiss these claims recently, telling Metro.co.uk: "99.9999%, it is a family show, it's not a political agenda."
Cheryl
After jumping over to the BBC for The Greatest Dancer, following her stint as a judge on The X Factor, rumours have continuously linked Cheryl to Strictly Come Dancing, so will she appear in 2021?
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Maya Jama
TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2020 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.
Alan Carr
Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women last year where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part, so will we see him on the 2021 series?
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times, "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Meanwhile, after announcing which professional dancers would be taking part in the 2020 series, both Kevin Clifton and AJ Pricthard quit the show, with the boys revealing they have other exciting commitments.
Kevin told fans, 'To the entire Strictly family, The past 7 years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life. I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of something truly special.
'Since first being called ‘Kevin From Grimsby’ by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 I have experienced the highs of 5 finals, winning a Guinness World record on It Takes Two, the Strictly Arena tour glitterball and then the ultimate of winning the 2018 series with Stacey Dooley. After finishing last series with the Children In Need trophy and the Christmas Special I want to leave on a high and have therefore decided the time has come to move on and focus on other areas of my life and career.
'I want to thank all of the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all of my celebrity partners. The whole team behind the scenes have made always made the Strictly family what it is and the loveliest show to work for.
'Thank you to anyone who has ever voted for me and my partners. It means the world. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me.'
AJ released a statement to the BBC, adding, '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.'
Although nothing has been confirmed just yet, Strictly is due to return later in the year.