Dancing With the Stars Put On Ice

Dancing With the Stars NZ is the latest COVID-19 casualty, with Three canning it for the second year in a row.

The network announced the “very difficult decision” this morning, along with some coming-soon highlights, including the world premiere of Sydney Harbour Force, a 10-hour Discovery series about real-life Water Rats.

However, Three isn’t picking up the latest season of the BBC inspiration for DWST, Strictly Come Dancing, which kicks off this weekend.

Here’s the media release:

THREE’S DANCING WITH THE STARS NZ POSTPONED

Discovery NZ has made the difficult decision to postpone the production of Three’s Dancing with the Stars NZ for the second consecutive year, due to current Covid-19 Alert Level restrictions.

Darren Chau, Senior Director of Production, Discovery ANZ, said: “This was a very difficult decision for everyone involved, but ultimately the right one.

“The health and wellbeing of our cast and crew is our absolute priority, and in light of the current Covid-19 situation it is not possible, or responsible to proceed with filming the show.

“The significant time delays coupled with ongoing uncertainty over the coming months impacts all stakeholders and we simply cannot commit to a typical schedule of live television under the current circumstances.”

Three has been home to Dancing With The Stars NZ since 2015, with the live audience format resonating with viewers of all ages across the country with its energetic and interactive voting format.

The ninth season was due to air last year but Three was also forced to postpone due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The postponement brings forward a raft of new exciting programmes. October will see the world premiere of Sydney Harbour Force, the return of hit series Australian Ninja Warrior and new to Three, Love It Or List It Australia.

Discovery NZ looks forward to the return of Dancing with the Stars NZ in 2022.

Two other Three shows have also been significantly affected by Covid-19 restrictions: The Block NZ  has been forced to postpone the 2021 live auction final and 7 Days is currently off air, unable to film at Alert Level Four. Further announcements regarding both shows will be made in due course.

Dancing with the Stars is a BBC format.