Fans will reportedly be allowed back in when 'Strictly Come Dancing' returns in September.
Tess Daly
The most-recent series of the BBC show was filmed without an audience due to coronavirus restrictions, but plans are already being drawn up for the return of fans later in the year.
A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: "The rough plans for the series are starting to come together, and that includes getting the show’s most important ingredient back in - the audience.
"Producers hope that by the last week of September, when the first live show is pencilled in, COVID restrictions will have been lifted and they’ll be able to get as many fans into Elstree as possible.
"There might be some social distancing, but it will give the show a lift, having had just cast and crew present in 2020."
The show's bosses have already learned some valuable lessons from filming the programme - which is hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman - amid the pandemic last year.
The insider added: "If they get all the group dances in the bag in late August and early September, they’ll have more time to work with on the live shows.
"It also means if someone does fall ill mid-series, they’ve got the bulk of the professionals’ work in the bank."
Meanwhile, a source previously observed that 'Strictly' bosses put "rigorous protocols in place" during the last series.
The insider explained: "'Strictly' and the BBC set the gold standard last year in terms of putting a show on during a pandemic.
“They worked incredibly hard and they managed to keep instances of COVID-19 right down. There were rigorous protocols in place.
“They’re going to use what they learned to put on a full series this year.
“That means 13 episodes will be returning - and all of the themed weeks."
Tagged in Claudia Winkleman Tess Daly