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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Nicola Methven & Louise Randell

Strictly 2020 to have best ever line-up as stars flock to sign up

Strictly Come Dancing looks like it could have best line-up ever this year as so many stars have been keen to sign up.

The show is set to return to TV in mid-October, several weeks behind the usual September start date, with fewer contestants and less episodes.

However, despite cutting the numbers in a bid to maintain social distancing, bosses have had no trouble signing up big-name stars.

The Mirror exclusively revealed celebs have been keen to get involved because so much other work has dried up during the coronavirus crisis.

An insider told us: "With celebs, we've no trouble getting them as there is little other work around – but the need to isolate means the timings are against us."

Strictly is expected to return in October (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

The number of contestants is likely to be reduced from 15 to 13 in order for the final to take its usual slot a week before Christmas.

Having fewer contestants will also help with social distancing in the studio.

The drop in numbers may mean professionals AJ Pritchard and Kevin Clifton, who both quit after last year’s run, are not replaced.

Kevin Clifton quit last year and he's unlikely to be replaced (PA)

There are currently 16 pro dancers signed up.

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

"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."

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