STRICTLY Come Dancing’s pre-recorded launch show could be pushed back as the BBC shakes up its schedule following the death of the Queen.
Other big shows including ITV’s The Masked Dancer and the start of the new series of The Great British Bake Off also have question marks hanging over them.
Across all channels today usual programmes were knocked off the agenda and in the coming days it is expected television scheduling to remain dedicated to the Queen as the country respects ten days of mourning.
A source said: “All the major channels are trying to work out whether or not to continue with their shows as planned.
“The Strictly launch is pre-recorded and is due to air next Saturday night – but with the Queen’s funeral expected to be just days later it has not yet been decided whether this will go ahead as planned.
“Everything is on hold and up in the air at the moment.
“The Great British Bake Off is set to start on Tuesday but there is also a question mark at this time as to whether that will continue as planned or whether it will be pushed back too.
“Even programmes over the weekend like The Masked Dancer on ITV could be pulled.
“Broadcasters are trying to set the right tone and decisions are still being made.”
Tonight’s Coronation Street and Emmerdale have been pulled but EastEnders will air on BBC Two.
Elsewhere filming on the upcoming series of The Crown is expected to be paused.
It is reported the Netflix show’s writer Peter Morgan has paused the production as a mark of respect to the late monarch.
Deadline revealed how an email from Peter read: “The Crown is a love letter to her and I’ve nothing to add for now, just silence and respect.
“I expect we will stop filming out of respect too.”
Former show director Stephen Daldry, who helmed early episodes, also said it would stop production for a respectable period of time.
He previously said: “None of us know when that time will come but it would be right and proper to show respect to the Queen.
“It would be a simple tribute and a mark of respect. She’s a global figure and it’s what we should do.
“She’s an extraordinary woman and people will be upset.”
The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday aged 96.
