Phillip Schofield asked one of the professionals on Strictly Come Dancing about the other dancers' vaccination status in an awkward interview.
Dancer Gorka Marquez appeared on This Morning along with celebrity partner Katie McGlynn, after it was revealed last weekend that the two would be coupled up for the new series of the show.
After discussing why the Coronation Street actress wanted to take part in the dancing competition, the conversation turned to the recent rumours that three of the professional dancers this year have refused to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
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As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Phillip asked Gorka directly if he felt it was "important for the pros to be vaccinated" - though the dancer attempted to sidestep the query.
He responded to the ITV host that it was just "speculation" and that he cannot "say much of what tabloids write about it because it can be true, it can be not be true."
The dancer continued: "What I know is the show is taking big responsibility to keep everyone safe, lots of testing, lots of trying to keep everyone distant and safe during the studio.
"They did it last year, we were all safe, so this year they’re doing the same and it will work, because we did it last year."
Phillip was unsatisfied with this response, however, and went further with his line of questioning by asking Gorka if he would prefer if all the dancers were vaccinated.
"Do you know what, everyone is free to do whatever they want," Gorka said in the awkward exchange.
"You go on the streets right now, some people might be vaccinated, some people might not."
Partner Katie then chimed in: "I think it just depends on each individual, doesn’t it, because I know last year, you were in your couples and everybody was in a hotel, whereas you get a bit more freedom this year because of the vaccinations."
She added that if it was her "I just wouldn’t see my family."
"‘Every situation’s different. I personally don’t know everybody’s situation because it’s none of our business, is it? Because we have to keep separate from everybody else," Katie said.
"But everybody’s getting on like a house on fire, everybody seems to be gelling well, and I just think it’s all the speculation to be fair."
A spokesperson for Strictly has said: "We do not comment on speculation of somebody’s Covid vaccination status.
"Strictly Come Dancing production has, and will continue, to follow strict government guidelines to ensure the safety of all on the show."
The first live show this weekend will see the celebrities and their pro partners perform in the competition for the first time.
