Strictly Come Dancing stars are reportedly facing stricter Covid rules as show bosses say current measures aren't 'bulletproof'.
The move comes after McFly’s Tom Fletcher, 36, and his pro dance partner Amy Dowden, 31, both tested positive for the virus after Saturday’s show, and have been forced to isolate at home.
Both Tom and Amy are double jabbed, but fears have increased on the show, and bosses on the hit BBC One show are reportedly holding crisis meetings as they discuss new measures to introduce in an effort to save Strictly.
According to a show insider bosses are considering scrapping the studio audience and re-introducing quarantine bubbles for celebs and their dance partners are being considered.
The news comes after it was revealed three of the show’s professional dancers have not had the Covid-19 vaccine, but after Tom and Amy’s diagnosis, one is allegedly reconsidering their anti-vaxx stance.
However, an insider told the outlet that making the couples bubble up would be a “logistical nightmare”, as most of the celebs taking part already have other jobs and commitments.
“These would be radical steps to take to increase safety on the set, but given the difficulties producers have had over the past two weeks, there’s nothing they aren’t willing to consider,” the source told The Sun.
Dad-of-three Tom was juggling his McFly tour with his dance training, with Amy even accompanying the singer on the road as they squeezed in rehearsals between gigs.
He was due to take to the stage on Sunday in Glasgow, but a statement from the band said he was forced to pull out due to a mystery illness that was later confirmed to be Covid.
The positive test means that he and Amy will miss this week’s show, and are set to return on Saturday 9 October.
Introducing quarantine bubbles for the couples would also cause a headache for Katie McGlynn - who is paired up with pro dancer Gorka Marquez - as she is filming scenes for Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks while dance training.
Last year, bosses were forced to scrap the audience for live shows after a further lockdown was announced, and due to the rising cases, it continued to be filmed without anyone else in the studio to adhere to restrictions.
Reps for Tom and Amy have yet to comment.
According to MailOnline, Strictly bosses were “dismayed” at Tom and Amy’s positive diagnosis, as they said they “aren’t bulletproof” to the virus.
However, the BBC told the outlet there are no plans to increase testing between the celebs, dancers and crew members, because they are “satisfied” with the robust measures they currently have in place.
Producers are ”hoping and praying” the Covid case is an isolated incident, and the show can carry on “as normal”.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday on BBC One at 6.45pm.
