Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series was filmed without a live audience for the first time in the show's history, while the judges were separated by perspex screens.
Denise van Outen, Billie Shepherd, and Jason Donovan were forced to withdraw from the series after suffering injuries, while Rufus Hound and Joe-Warren Plant both withdrew after testing positive for COVID-19.
[4] On 15 February 2021, ITV announced that they would postpone the sixth live show scheduled for 21 February in order to give the remaining contestants sufficient time to recover from any injuries, stating that "The welfare of all of those involved is important to us and we felt it prudent to take a week's break at this juncture".
[5] On 26 February 2021, ITV announced that the current series would end a week earlier than originally planned, taking the number of live shows to eight instead of the usual ten.
[10] Vicky Ogden, also a returning professional, joined the cast in week 4 when Matt Richardson entered the competition, but did not take part in the pre-recorded group routines.
On 16 February 2021, it was announced that Hamish Gaman had been forced to withdraw from the competition after snapping a tendon in his hand.
[13] On 26 January 2021, Denise van Outen was forced to withdraw from the competition after suffering three bone fractures and partially dislocating her shoulder.
Van Outen was replaced by former Olympic artistic gymnast Amy Tinkler, who made her debut in the competition in week 3.
[17] On 12 February 2021, it was announced that Joe-Warren Plant had to withdraw from the competition after both he and partner Vanessa Bauer tested positive for COVID-19.
[20] In a new twist for this series, during the first two weeks, the judges awarded a Golden Ticket to one couple, which granted them immunity from the public vote.
Theme: Movie WeekGroup musical performance: Marisha Wallace — "Reflection" (from Mulan; with professional skaters)Torvill & Dean performance: "Stand by Me" — Florence and the Machine This episode was originally set to air on 21 February; however, a decision was made to postpone the show for a week to allow the remaining couples to recover from any injuries.
[19] Faye Brookes performed with Matt Evers for the first time this week after Hamish Gaman withdrew from the competition due to injury.