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THREE stars were forced to pull out of Strictly as Covid threw the show into a major crisis last night.

Nicola Adams and Katya Jones had to leave after the dance pro tested positive. Judge Motsi Mabuse is also isolating, The Sun can reveal. Anton Du Beke is set to step in for her

Katya and Nicola have been forced to leave the BBC1 show

Strictly bosses have launched a probe into how Covid has left the show in chaos despite the “bubbles” system.

The investigation is thought to include Katya Jones’s visit to a sandwich shop before she tested positive.

Dancers are now being told to bring packed lunches to rehearsals instead.

Katya, 31, and celeb partner Nicola Adams, 38, announced their departure from the series yesterday afternoon after the pro star got the virus.

Motsi Mabuse is having to step down for two weeks and isolate due to travel rules following an emergency trip to GermanyCredit: Goff Photos

Motsi appeared to be holding a negative coronavirus test certificate as she boarded her flight to GermanyCredit: Goff Photos

Motsi's journey to Germany was deemed essentialCredit: Goff Photos

And we can reveal judge Motsi Mabuse is having to step down for two weeks and isolate due to travel rules following an emergency trip to Germany.

Insiders say bosses plan to temporarily promote dancer Anton du Beke to the judging panel after years of speculation he could step up.

At least four crew members in contact with Katya also have to isolate.

Virus rules demand dancers stick to their agreed groups and avoid socialising.

The pair filmed themselves rehearsing on Thursday - just hours before the bombshell newsCredit: nicolaadams/Instagram

Dancer Katya and boxer Nicola were the show's first same-sex couple

There were questions asked about Katya’s movements, understood to include buying lunch on her way to training.

She trained alongside Nicola on Monday and Tuesday before she tested positive later that day.

A source said: “The BBC’s top brass are less than thrilled. Obviously everyone is glad Katya is OK but they put incredibly strict rules in place for a reason — to keep everyone safe.

“Some are saying Katya has broken the rules. All the celebs and dancers have been told to bring in packed lunches from now on.

Nicola said: 'I had so much more to give and so many people to win this for'Credit: BBC

“They have since found out at least four people who work on the show have had to go into isolation and that could increase.

“Coupled with Motsi being forced to isolate, it’s basically Strictly’s worst nightmare. At the moment, the thinking is that Anton will stand in for her.”

A spokesman confirmed: “Motsi had to make an essential journey and will be isolating for 14 days as per government guidelines. We look forward to welcoming her back to the studio in a few weeks.”

A final decision on Anton joining the judges was being made today.