strictly ellie johannes© Photo: BBC

Strictly Come Dancing faces major schedule disruption – get the details

BBC bosses have made some changes

Senior Features Writer
October 31, 2022

Strictly Come Dancing faces some big schedule changes ahead after BBC bosses have been told to accommodate for matches during the World Cup.

MORE: 'Heartbroken' Amy Dowden breaks silence after Strictly's James Bye reduced to tears upon exit

For two weeks of the current series, the programme will not air in its usual time frame on Saturday evening, making way for football games taking place in Qatar for the sporting competition.

WATCH: Fans have same reaction to James' routine on Strictly Come Dancing

Instead, to avoid clashes with the BBC's coverage of the tournament, which is taking place in the winter months for the first time ever to avoid the intense heat in the middle east during the summer months, the quarter and semi-finals will air on a Friday and Sunday evening respectively.

A statement from the BBC explains further: "Strictly Come Dancing will continue to bring glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to homes across the nation throughout the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

MORE: Strictly's Gorka Marquez reveals he's 'proud' of Helen Skelton after ex Richie Myler speaks out

MORE: Exclusive: Oti Mabuse details incredible romance with her husband Marius Iepure

© Photo: BBC

Strictly's quarter and semi-finals will now no longer air on a Saturday

"The quarter final of Strictly Come Dancing will now air live on Friday 2nd December and the semi-final will now air live on Sunday 11th December on BBC One and BBC iPlayer."

This indicates that the live final of Strictly Come Dancing will take place on Saturday 17 December.

Meanwhile, the competition for this year's series is getting more intense each week. Saturday's Halloween special saw Fleur East and Vito Coppola land in the bottom two for the second time but were saved after the judges voted off James Bye and Amy Dowden.

© Photo: BBC

The BBC competition is making way for the World Cup games

On Sunday night, James was reduced to tears while chatting to Tess Daly. His partner Amy had said: "I'm so proud of you James. You came on here to show your boys they can throw themselves into any challenge in life."

In response, James jokes: "What did I just say? I said don't bring the boys up." Amy continued: "You're the best role model they could ever have as their dad. Honestly, I'm so proud. We've had so much fun."

Like this story? Sign up to our What to Watch newsletter and get the heads-up on the shows and films everyone’s talking about.

Keep up to date with all things Strictly, from the backstage gossip and romance rumours, judges ' verdicts and exclusives

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more