Neil Jones optimistic over Strictly Come Dancing return

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: June 5 2020 | 11:15

Last updated: July 14 2020 | 23:33

Strictly Come Dancing pro Neil Jones says that he expects the show to go ahead as usual this autumn despite the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Strictly Come Dancing pro Neil Jones has said that he is confident that the show will air as planned this year.

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc with TV productions, casting some doubt on whether Strictly could go ahead this autumn.

The BBC is determined that the show will make it to air, however, and is working on a number of measures - including the possibility of "distanced dancing" - to make the production safe.

"I think it's going to go ahead but it's all about how it's going to work," Jones said in an interview with FUBAR Radio.

"It's going to be pretty hard to dance with someone two metres away. I think we're going to have a meeting soon and then we're just going to find out what's going on.

"I think it's one of these shows where the country needs it. Even if we're still stuck in isolation, the country wants to see a TV show like that."

Earlier this week head judge Shirley Ballas said that she is "absolutely positive" that Strictly will deliver "the best show they can" this year.