Strictly U-turn as bosses permit live studio audience under new guidelines

Strictly Come Dancing fans will have the opportunity to watch the show live from Elstree Studios, as BBC bosses confirm the Saturday night shows will now feature an audience as usual.

There had been concerns the element would be missed from the broadcasts following the deadly coronavirus outbreak this year.

Shows including Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and the recent Britain's Got Talent semi-final have all been hit by the Covid-restrictions.

However, BBC bosses have found away to let lucky Strictly super fans will be able to see the stars in action, while keeping with the latest government 19 guidelines.

Though there will be some changes to the usual entry system with new social-distancing measures to follow.

Tess and Claudia will be on hand to welcome fans to the studio (BBC/Guy Levy)

To make the most of the limited space because of our social distancing measures, for the first time ever tickets will be allocated to groups of four, allowing fans to come along as a family bubble / household group.

Family groups of up to four people from the same household / social bubble will be sat at cabaret tables and in balcony seating.

Cabaret tables and balcony seats will be allocated randomly, in advance of arrival at the studio.

Audiences will have to wear a face mask throughout recording (Getty Images)

Otlile Mabuse, Nadiya Bychkova, Dianne Buswell, Karen Clifton and Katya Jones are returning to the show this year (WireImage)

All audience members will be required to wear face coverings throughout the recording and are encouraged to opt for plain black masks.

As in previous years, tickets will be drawn at random with registration open until 10pm on Sunday 20 September.

The number is a fraction of the 600 who normally cram into the studio to watch the professional dancers and their celebrity partners perform.

The Britain's Got Talent judge have to sit 2metres apart in the semi-final and with a virtual audience watching behind them (ITV)

One show source revealed: “The dancers are really happy – the idea of a completely empty studio was unnerving. Now there will at least be a bit of an audience - who will be encouraged to whoop, cheer, boo, hiss and generally make as much noise as possible. Everyone's just so relieved that there will be some atmosphere in the studio.

“Whoever gets in to watch this year will need to make their presence felt, big time.”

Those keen to bag a seat – which is normally around 5million people - will be able to apply on the BBC's audience website from later today.

Bosses decided to invite 50 to 60 people to watch this year's shows go out live across the UK.