Strictly Come Dancing 2020 currently has just a few weeks to go before the final but is there going to be a Strictly Christmas special this year for us to look forward to?
Strictly is currently on our screens every Saturday and the likes of Ranvir Singh and Maisie Smith are just a few of the celebrities heading for the Strictly final 2020 to compete for the Glitterball.
Many fans are worrying about what they're going to watch at the weekend once the BBC dance competition is finished. But there are usually hopes of a Strictly Christmas special to give us one last dose of dance floor drama before Boxing Day.
Other TV shows are still airing special episodes for Christmas this year despite the pandemic, including the Vicar of Dibley, Call the Midwife, The Million Pound Cube and two Great British Bake Off specials.
And with the show confirmed for next year, fans will be excited to know who is on Strictly Come Dancing 2021?
But, having already cancelled this year's Strictly tour, here's what the Strictly producers have decided to do...
Will there be a Strictly Christmas special 2020?
Yes, there will be a Strictly Christmas special 2020 - but not as we know it. Instead of the Christmas special, there will be a show called Strictly: The Christmas Countdown.
Usually, the Christmas special sees past contestants returning to perform a festive-themed dance. But, due to the new tier system rules amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this can't go ahead this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-KbMBvGRAA
To ensure Strictly could go ahead as normal this year, producers had to opt for a shorter competition than normal and choose to axe the Christmas special.
In a statement, the BBC 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.”
What is Strictly: The Christmas Countdown and when is it on TV?
In a similar vein to the Strictly: The Best Of… series broadcast earlier this year, Strictly: The Christmas Countdown will highlight 25 of the most memorable dances from the show’s 16-year history.
The special will have commentary from presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The judges, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Bruno Tonioli will also feature. As will the professional dancers and past contestants from the show.
It will also be kicking off with a brand new festive dance routine from the Strictly professionals - who all isolated together for two weeks earlier this year in order to dance together.
A date has not yet been confirmed for Strictly: The Christmas Countdown yet, but as it is part of the BBC's festive schedule, it's likely we'll see it on our screens at some point between Christmas and the New Year.
-
Balamory is back after two decades - why we can’t wait for the reboot of the iconic BBC seriesWhat's the story in Balamory? Now you can find out, as the BBC announces the return of the beloved children's series nearly 20 years after the final episode aired.
-
Is Francesca in Bridgerton gay? With more great representation in the show, this expert shares how to start the conversation around sexuality with your teen if they’re watchingIs Francesca in Bridgerton gay? It's a question many have asked, and you might need to have conversations around sexuality with your teen if they’re watching.
-
Is Eric a true story? Benedict Cumberbatch lives every parent’s worst nightmare in new Netflix showIs Eric a true story? Every parent’s worst nightmare plays out in Netflix's latest show, against a backdrop of 80s New York grappling with AIDS and racism.
-
Normal People season 2 rumours are circulating, and we have our own Marianne and Connell 'first love' stories to shareNormal People season 2 rumours are flying around, and we have our own Marianne and Connell moments to share - because everyone remembers their first heartbreak.
-
Channel 4 drama The Gathering explores 'toxic teenagers and their even more toxic parents' in an online world dominated by social mediaNew Channel 4 drama explores the challenges of impossible standards set by social media, and how parents themselves become toxic in their need to protect their kids.
-
Is Brandy pregnant? Bluey fans think the Heelers could be about to welcome a new cousin following the season 3 finaleEagle-eyed Bluey viewers are wondering if Aunt Brandy is pregnant, following a touching moment in the season three finale.
-
Is Bluey ending? What we know about the rumours around the kids' cartoon, as the Heelers put their house up for saleBluey's producer has shared an update on the show's future
-
CoComelon has been accused of being 'overstimulating' - the experts explain why it's ok to let your kid watch the popular cartoonCoComelon is adored by kids around the world, but some experts have shared reasons they don't think children should be watching - we look at both sides of the argument.
