Daily Record

It’s Strictly business

Dance show stars warned to skip red-carpet events to avoid risk of Covid

- BY RECORD REPORTER

THERE will be Strictly no fun off the ballroom dancefloor this year...

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have requested this year’s contestant­s keep their socialisin­g to a minimum and avoid partying during rehearsals to avoid catching Covid.

Last year saw boxer Nicola Adams and her partner Katya Jones forced to withdraw after Katya tested positive, and understand­ably, nobody wants it to happen again.

“Producers are obviously worried about a repeat,” said a source. “They know with restrictio­ns not as harsh as they were last year, it means events are back and the Strictly contestant­s are always top of everybody’s invite lists.

“But this year, they’re hoping the celebritie­s and pros will be sensible and put Strictly first for the sake of everyone.

“It isn’t a blanket ban on them doing anything but the show but they’ve been asked to restrict their diaries to keep the show on the road.”

A spokeswoma­n for the show declined to comment.

Meanwhile, former Strictly head judge Len Goodman says that one of this year’s contestant­s BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker is well “up for it” after the pair played golf together this week.

“He’s a competitiv­e guy,” he said. “Whether he’s good, I don’t know. But he won’t lose for lack of trying, dedication and giving it his all. He’s got an elegance about him.”

Other contestant­s this year include Loose Women’s Judi Love, McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Peep Show’s Robert Webb. The series starts on Saturday, September 18.

 ??  ?? ALL OVER Nicola and Katya withdrew
ALL OVER Nicola and Katya withdrew

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