Strictly Come Dancing has been forced to drop its live studio audiences after just three weeks as new coronavirus restrictions come into force.

The BBC ballroom series had already dramatically cut the number of audience members present in the studio, seating guests in small household bubbles and requiring them to wear masks on set.

With the announcement that England is heading into a new month-long lockdown on Thursday, however, Strictly has had to drop audiences altogether for the four weeks of shows in November in order to comply with the law.

In a message on its audience website, the BBC said: "In light of the new lockdown measures which take effect in England from Thursday 5 November, we're sad to announce that we won't be able to have a live studio audience for Strictly Come Dancing during November. Ticket holders have been notified.

"No tickets will be sent out for December shows until we are sure it will be safe and compliant to welcome audiences back, so please keep checking back for updates. We will continue to follow government guidelines.

"We understand how disappointing this will be, but we very much hope we will see some of you later in the series – and in the meantime you can continue to watch all the action from the comfort and safety of your sofa."

Deadline reports that the BBC is now looking into the possibility of having a virtual audience, as seen recently on ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

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