Strictly bosses to ‘welcome back’ contestants ‘over the age of 60’

Strictly Come Dancing will reportedly welcome back celebrity contestants over the age of 60 this year.

An alleged age ban was put in place on last year’s instalment in light of the coronavirus pandemic, with bosses wanting to protect vulnerable groups.

However ahead of the next series future celebrities that partake in the popular ballroom show over the age of 60 will likely be vaccinated.

Good news: Strictly Come Dancing will reportedly welcome back celebrity contestants over the age of 60 this year

A source told The Sun: ‘Last year’s ban was a shame to some older hopefuls desperate to take part.

‘Now the seniors are being welcomed back with open arms, which is great news for viewers who like watching showbiz veterans have a go.

‘Bosses now have everything in place if necessary, but they’re hoping a lot of the rules will have been relaxed and will be encouraging everyone to get the jab.’

Bill Bailey and his partner Oti Mabuse won Strictly Come Dancing 2020, with the comedian being the oldest-ever winner at 55. However, actress Caroline Quentin also took part in the series at the age of 60.

Representatives for Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.

The exciting development follows reports that the BBC is also planning for the 2021 series to resume its full 13-show run this autumn after the 2020 show was reduced to just nine weeks due to Covid restrictions.

Over 60: Actress Caroline Quentin took part in last year's series at the age of 60 (pictured with her professional dance partner Johannes Radebe in 2020)

Over 60: Actress Caroline Quentin took part in last year’s series at the age of 60 (pictured with her professional dance partner Johannes Radebe in 2020) 

It was also reported that the much-anticipated Blackpool special will be back this year, after travel restrictions meant a trip to the seaside town last year was impossible.

A source confirmed to The Sun: ‘They’re going to put on a full series this year. That means 13 episodes will and all of the themed weeks. The pinnacle will be the trip to Blackpool and that’s always been the way on Strictly.

‘As things stand, the whole show will head to the North West in November. Everyone is really excited.’ 

Strictly’s eighteenth series faced major setbacks and was forced to go ahead with strict social distancing protocols in place.

This meant the annual Blackpool trip was scrapped, and the competition only ran for nine episodes.

However, the BBC succeeded in keeping the show on air despite a handful of COVID-19 outbreaks, with the likes of Katya and her celebrity partner, world champion boxer Nicola Adams, 38, testing positive for the virus and leaving the show early.

Popstar HRVY, 22, also tested positive before the show aired, however was able to recover in time to take part.

Last month BBC confirmed the 16 dancers who will hit the dance floor this Autumn, with fan favourites such as Anton Du Beke, Johannes Radebe and Dianne Buswell all back.

Here come the girls! Making up the female pros are Amy Dowden, Oti, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Dianne Buswell, Janette Manrara, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones and Nancy Xu  (pictured L-R in 2020)

Here come the girls! Making up the female pros are Amy Dowden, Oti, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Dianne Buswell, Janette Manrara, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones and Nancy Xu  (pictured L-R in 2020) 

Anton, 54, is to continue his reign as Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving professional dancer by marking his 19th season on the show.

Making up the female pros are Oti, Janette Manrara, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova and Nancy Xu.

While Aljaž Škorjanec, Anton Du Beke, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Johannes Radebe and Neil Jones make up the male pros.

Pros: Anton Du Beke, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Neil Jones, Alja¿ ¿korjanec, Giovanni Pernice and Johannes Radebe make up the male pros (pictured L-R in 2020)

Pros: Anton Du Beke, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Neil Jones, Aljaž Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice and Johannes Radebe make up the male pros (pictured L-R in 2020)