It’s Strictly business
Dance show stars warned to skip red-carpet events to avoid risk of Covid
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.