How the pandemic forced a radical transformation of the eighteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing
In short: The eighteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing faced unprecedented disruption in 2020. With the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom off-limits and strict safety bubbles enforced, the production condensed its usual thirteen-week run into nine. From virtual judging to same-sex partnerships, the show adapted its format to survive a global health crisis.
The 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing launched on 17 October, a month later than its typical schedule, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Producers implemented rigorous safety measures, requiring professional dancers to shield at home for two weeks before entering a hotel-based bubble to rehearse. Consequently, all group dance performances were pre-recorded, and the show was shortened to nine weeks. A significant casualty of these restrictions was the annual live broadcast from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, which was cancelled for the first time since the show's tenth series.
The judging panel also underwent forced changes. Bruno Tonioli was unable to join the panel in person due to travel restrictions, appearing instead via video link during Sunday results shows. Motsi Mabuse missed two weeks of the competition after traveling to Germany following a break-in at her dance academy; professional dancer Anton Du Beke stepped in as a guest judge during her absence. The series also marked a milestone with the introduction of the show's first same-sex partnership, featuring Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones, though the pair was forced to withdraw mid-series after Jones tested positive for COVID-19.
The competition structure remained focused on a combination of judges' scores and public votes. Each week, couples were ranked based on these metrics, with the two lowest-scoring pairs facing a dance-off. Shirley Ballas served as head judge, holding the deciding vote in the event of a tie. By the final on 19 December, Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse emerged as the series winners. The season also paid tribute to 2014 winner Caroline Flack, who died earlier that year, during the final episode.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Strictly Come Dancing series 18
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