The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will reportedly ditch most of the coronavirus protocols that the show has operated under for the last two years.

The BBC's flagship entertainment programme has made it to air the last two years despite the pandemic thanks to a raft of emergency measures, including bubbling up the celebrities and their pro partners, as well as having limited studio audiences in attendance for the weekly live shows.

According to The Mirror, now that the worst of coronavirus seems to be in the past, producers intend to return largely to normal this year - although they will retain the practice of pre-recording the group numbers in advance.

"While final plans are still being nailed down and kept fluid, Strictly bosses are planning to pre-record some of the pro dancer routines again this summer," a show source told the newspaper.

"They are also hoping to have a full studio audience back watching the live show each week."

The new series, which may also include the return of the iconic Blackpool episode, is expected to begin on BBC One in September.