Strictly Come Dancing has responded to news that Tom Fletcher and his dance partner Amy Dowden have both tested positive for Covid-19.
It was announced yesterday that the pair were both self-isolating just hours after they performed in the first live show of the series.
They will miss next week's Strictly show and Tom's band McFly played on without him as their UK arena tour went to Glasgow last night.
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A Strictly spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News today that they have 'strict procedures' to protect contestants and the crew on the popular BBC One dance contest which will continue without them on Saturday.
Among the 'many measures' in place they said dancers are regularly tested for the coronavirus.
They told us: "We have in place strict procedures to protect those on the show and the wider production.
"Among the many measures in place on Strictly, the dancers are tested regularly to be in close contact with their partners."
A BBC spokesperson announced yesterday: "Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden have tested positive for Covid-19.
"The pair are now self-isolating separately following the latest government guidelines.
"While they will both miss Saturday’s live show, Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week.”
Tom impressed on Saturday night as the pair danced for the first time to Earth, Wind and Fire’s September on the first live show of Strictly Come Dancing 2021.
On Thursday night he brought Amy up on stage in front of the Manchester crowd at the AO Arena.
The audience cheered as Amy was introduced onto the stage, with her embracing Tom in front of thousands.
They then gave an impromptu sample of what viewers could expect.
Tom, 36, told McFly fans he was ‘"so, so sorry" as they announced he would miss the show in Glasgow.
Amy announced on her Instagram: "Unfortunately @tomfletcher and I have tested positive for Covid-19. I’m not suffering any symptoms but am now isolating at home.
"I have no doubt that over the next 10 days my mind will be going crazy with choreography ideas ready to get back on the Strictly dance floor for the live show in week 3!
"Thank you for all of the support and good luck to all of the couples this week. I will be cheering you all on!"
And Tom told her: "Rest up partner. We’ve got to pull something special out of the bag for week 3."
Singer and guitarist Tom said he was 'gutted' to have to pull out of McFly's UK arena tour.
He took to Instagram to thank Tom Abisgold, star of West End's School of Rock, for stepping in for him on the tour.
"Huge thanks to @tomabisgold for stepping in for me on these @mcflymusic shows. You’re smashing it dude," he wrote.
"It’s not always easy but McFLY’s here forever…one way or another!
"Sending my best to all the @bbcstrictly team and looking forward to getting back on that dance floor with you @amy_dowden."
In a video he said: "It means I'm obviously isolating and can't finish the McFly tour which I'm so sorry, I'm so gutted about.
"It hurts so much but the show must go on. You guys have waited long enough for a night of fun."
