Will the Strictly Come Dancing final be taken off air because of The World Cup?

Virgin Radio

26 Aug 2022, 12:05

We are only a few weeks away from welcoming Strictly Come Dancing back into our homes for the 2022 series, but is the finale already in jeopardy?

We now know the full list of the celeb contestants taking part, from Bros singer Matt Goss to soap star Kym Marsh, and rehearsals are already in full swing for the 17th September launch. 

But while everything is looking set to go, there is one thing that remains unknown, and that’s how long series 20 will be, and whether the upcoming World Cup tournament in Qatar will clash with the finale. 

According to the Daily Star, tickets for the live shows only go up to 26th November, and insiders say it’s because show bosses aren’t sure how the rest of the series will play out with The World Cup schedule. 

The quarter and semi-finals of Strictly will likely air in December, right when the knockout stages will be on in Qatar, and will likely air on 3rd and 10th December at 7pm, which is prime Strictly time. 

The BBC and ITV are deciding which matches they will air, and according to sources, the scheduling conflict has caused “a major headache.”

The sources said: “Die hard fans will be fuming if Strictly gets taken off air because of football.

“Viewers have already had a summer of sport messing around with their favourite TV shows.”

If previous series’ are anything to go by, Strictly shows tend to finish up on 17th or 18th December, but with this being the 20th anniversary, it could go on slightly longer. 

Earlier this year, it was reported that ITV have already put contingencies in place for the latest series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!

According to reports, it'll be back on our screens live from Down Under at the end of October, which is earlier than usual to avoid clashing with the football in November and December.

When Strictly does arrive back on our screens next month, not only will it return to Blackpool after a two-year absence, but it will also feature a special themed week to celebrate 100 years of the BBC. 

As well as the themed shows- including returning faves such as Musicals Week, Movie Week, and Halloween Week- there will be a BBC 100-themed week, which will see each of the couples take to the Strictly ballroom floor, either dancing to a theme tune from an iconic BBC programme or in tribute to one of the BBC’s most loved services.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing launches on 17th September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.