Strictly Come Dancing executive producer Sarah James has confirmed that the show's iconic Blackpool Week has been cancelled again this year due to coronavirus.
The BBC's flagship entertainment show managed to make it to air last year despite the many logistical challenges and health concerns caused by the pandemic, although the series ran to just nine weeks instead of the usual 13.
This year the show will be back to a 13-week run with a full complement of 15 celebrities, while fan favourites Halloween Week, Musicals Week and Movie Week will return alongside the annual Christmas special.
Speaking to The Mirror, however, James revealed that ongoing complications resulting from coronavirus has meant that she has taken the tough decision not to relocate to Blackpool at the mid-point of the series.
"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," she said.
"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."
The new series begins on BBC One at the end of September.
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