Tilly Ramsay has praised the “strict” Covid-19 protocols on Strictly Come Dancing.
Appearing on the ITV show on Thursday, Tilly appeared alongside dancing partner Nikita Kuzmin, 23, and spoke with presenter Lorraine Kelly about the show’s Covid-19 protocols, which the chef stated were “definitely strict”.
Tilly commented: "Firstly, I think it's just amazing that they've been able to even put the show on.
“They're working so hard to keep everyone safe and I think we definitely do feel that."
The comments come as professional dancer Gorka Marquez was keen to downplay the issues surrounding Covid-19 vaccinations on the show when he and his new dancing partner Katie McGlynn appeared on This Morning on Thursday.
"They did it last year, we're all safe," Gorka said. "Everyone is free to do what they want."
This Morning host Phillip Schofield questioned whether celebrities would feel comfortable dancing with an unvaccinated professional dancer if they have families they want to comfortably return home to.
"I think it depends on every individuals,” Coronation Street alum Katie jumped in to say. "If that was me, I just wouldn't see my family."
Katie noted she had a “hectic schedule” due to her filming commitments on Hollyoaks alongside her Strictly training regime.
"It's difficult because I want to give all the time I can for her," Gorka commented. "We're going to have a good dance and make everyone smile."
The story follows reports that some professional dancers on the show had refused to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
A statement from the BBC later said: “A lot has been written about vaccinations and Strictly in recent days.
“The BBC has never commented nor confirmed the vaccination status of anyone on the show. It’s not our place to.
“It is not the case that concerns have been raised with the BBC or the Strictly production team from dancers or celebrities about vaccination, or that they have threatened to quit."
This followed a professional dancer on the show testing positive for Covid-19 ahead of last weekend’s launch show.
A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror prior to the launch show: "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.”
*Good Morning Britain airs on weekday mornings from 6am to 9am on ITV with past episodes on ITV Hub. Strictly Come Dancing airs at 7pm on BBC One on Saturday.
