Strictly in chaos as pro dancer catches Covid and has to isolate for ten days

STRICTLY has been thrown into chaos after one of the professional dancers caught Covid and went into isolation for ten days.

That means the celebrity they were paired with may now have to be given a new partner because they’re unlikely to have enough time to practice together before the first live show takes place on September 25.

Last week the famous face and the pro were filmed being introduced to one another for the first time in a Strictly episode which will air this Saturday to kick off the new series.

But the day after the pre-recorded show was completed, the pro’s test came back positive. The celebrity ‘s test was negative, however.

A TV insider said: “This is proving to be a nightmare for producers of the show, just as they prepare to bring back Strictly for its first full series since the Covid pandemic hit Britain.

“It means that Strictly viewers are likely to watch the pro paired with their celeb, then they could be separated by the time the first live show begins.

“That also means that the pro in question will probably end up only taking part in group dances throughout the new series, which will be particularly galling.”

The blow comes after pro Nadiya Bychkova tested positive for Covid last month and also had to go into isolation.

Producers now face an anxious wait to see if any other celebrities or their partners catch the virus, which could prove disastrous.

But Beeb bosses are stressing the care they are taking to make the creation of the show as safe as possible.

Strictly spokesperson: “A professional dancer has tested positive for COVID-19 however this didn’t affect recording of the launch show which airs this Saturday.

“We are following government guidelines to ensure the safety of all on the show.”

Strictly Come Dancing launches on Saturday, September 18 at 7.45pm.