Craig Revel Horwood on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel
(Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)Craig Revel Horwood has tested positive for Covid-19 and will not take part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.
The judge is the first member of the panel to test positive for the virus on the BBC show and is having to self isolate.
A Strictly spokesperson said: “Craig Revel Horwood has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating following the latest government guidelines.
“While Craig will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, all being well he will return the following week.”
Craig, 56, will miss the dancing show’s Musicals Special on Saturday.
Producers are now rushing to find somebody to replace him on the panel and sit alongside Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas.
Bosses could pick a professional from the West End or Broadway according to a TV insider who described it as “the latest blow to hit Strictly” due to Covid-19.
“It means bosses will probably have to find a replacement judge,” they told The Sun.
“Because this week is musicals week, there’s a good chance they’ll pick a figure from the West End or Broadway.”
Two celebrities and two professional dancers have tested positive for Covid and placed into quarantine so far this series.
“But a judge catching Covid will still come as a shock, particularly given the stringent precautions that producers have taken when filming the show in the studio,” the source continued.
“It’s not clear how severe his symptoms are, but there is a concern because he is much older than many of the pros and celebrities who’ve caught Covid on the show, so could suffer greater effects.”
The duo missed a week of shows while they were self-isolating.
Later that month, comedian Judi Love tested positive for Covid and was forced to self isolate.
Craig has been fully vaccinated against the virus.
It follows reports that professional dancers refused to have the vaccine at the beginning of the season.
