The BBC is said to be "doing everything it can" to ensure that the new series of Strictly Come Dancing can go ahead as usual this autumn.

Production on almost all TV shows has shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed more than 70,500 lives worldwide to date.

Strictly traditionally begins in late September although the participating celebrities begin training one to two months earlier - something which is currently impractical due to social distancing guidelines.

Speaking about the possibility of a delay to this year's show, BBC programming head Dan McGolpin told BBC Essex: "It wouldn't be the same if we didn't have Strictly in the autumn, would it? So no of course the BBC is doing everything it can, and I know that everyone involved in that production team would absolutely love that to happen this Autumn."

When the show does eventually return it will be without two of its most popular pros after Kevin Clifton and AJ Pritchard announced their departures in recent months.