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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Brogan-Leigh Hurst

Stacey Dooley calls for major Strictly 2020 shakeup with stars replaced by NHS heroes

Strictly Come Dancing 's Stacey Dooley has called for a major shakeup to this year's dance competition.

The documentary maker, who lifted the Glitterball Trophy in 2018, said if it was her decision, she would give the 2020 show to "the people".

Stacey, 33, revealed she would have replaced celebrities with key workers as a thanks for their hard work during the pandemic.

Discussing the show's new social distancing rules in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic on Heart Breakfast, Stacey revealed her concerns as bosses confirmed this year will be a shorter series.

Stacey and her Strictly pro dancer boyfriend Kevin Clifton (PA)

"I've been thinking actually - what are they gonna do?" she told host Jamie Theakston.

"I was speaking to Kev [Clifton] - I'd have given it to the people this year, I'd have given it to the people," Stacey explained.

The famous TV star added: "The NHS, the post office girls - I would have given it to them."

Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston (Getty Images)

Hosts Jamie and Amanda Holden were impressed by Stacey's revelation, with Amanda exclaiming: "That's such a good idea!"

Stacey, who is dating pro dancer Kevin Clifton, added: "It's such a loved show isn't it! Such a great show."

Strictly is set to be very different to previous series after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The couple are very supportive of each other (sjdooley/Instagram)

Show bosses have pushed the show start date back to October, and fewer celebrities will be taking part.

The series will be delayed by a fortnight as BBC bosses try to keep everyone safe while filming within the safety guidelines.

A spokesperson for the dance show said: "The  Strictly Come Dancing  team are doing everything they can to bring the nation plenty of Strictly magic later this year.

Kevin Clifton with Stacey Dooley in 2018, when they won the series (BBC)

"To ensure we deliver the high standards audiences know and love, and in light of the ongoing considerations around COVID-19, this year’s series of Strictly will have a slightly shorter run than usual.

"The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course."

The new star-studded cast is set to be a huge one - with the likes of Michelle Keegan and Katie Price rumoured to be in the running.

Mirror Online has contacted the BBC for comment.

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