Strictly Come Dancing bosses are mixing things up ahead of the quarter-final show.
Fans of the BBC show will be able to watch the celebrity contestants and their professional partners a whole day early this week, thanks to the FIFA World Cup prompting the dancing competition to shake up their usual schedule.
The main Strictly show has been swapped from its regular Saturday slot on December 3 to 8pm on Friday, with the pre-recorded results show airing the following day at an earlier time than usual.
Strictly viewers will be able to discover which couples have made it through to next week's show from 5.40pm on Saturday, with coverage of a World Cup knockout game following the results show at 6.20pm - Strictly's usual Saturday timeslot.
The schedule shakeup comes as fans react to the news Kym Marsh is already through to the quarter-final, following the star's 'free pass' due to illness.
The former Coronation Street actress and presenter, who is partnered with Graziano Di Prima on the show, will miss this weekend's instalment of the BBC One Latin and ballroom competition after being struck down with Covid-19 earlier this week.
A Strictly spokesperson said on Tuesday: "Kym Marsh has tested positive for Covid-19.
"As a result, Kym and Graziano will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week."
Strictly fans are divided regarding the show's decision to essentially give Kym and Graziano a 'free pass' to the quarter-final.
Some have argued that while they hope Kym is feeling better soon, they feel it's unfair she and Graziano are automatically put through to the next round.
Others have suggested Strictly could cancel this week's scheduled elimination and instead have a double elimination next week when Kym is fit enough to compete.
But many fans of the show have pointed out how Kym was already very likely to make it through to the quarter-final, thanks to her past performances and the comments she has received from the judges.
Kym and Graziano danced the Paso Doble to a mash-up of Only Girl (In The World) by Rihanna and We Found Love by Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna last week as the show returned to Blackpool.
The dancing duo impressed during the show and landed a score of 33.
Head judge Shirley Ballas shared of their routine: "I feel like you are in warrior mode. You are here and you are fighting. What I loved, it was so powerful but yet you still kept the femininity," whilst Motsi Mabuse praised Kym's control and energy."
While Kym won't be taking to the dancefloor this Friday, viewers will still get to enjoy routines from Fleur East, Helen Skelton, Hamza Yassin, Will Mellor, Molly Rainford and Ellie Taylor, alongside their respective partners, who are all fighting for a place in the quarter-final.
