Strictly professional dancer tests positive for COVID-19 days ahead of show launch

It's set to air this Saturday (18th September)

Author: Georgie HollandPublished 15th Sep 2021
Last updated 15th Sep 2021

A Strictly Come Dancing professional has tested positive for COVID-19 just days before the show is set to launch on BBC One. Despite not revealing who the dancer is that has tested positive, a spokesperson has confirmed that they are ensuring "all on the show" are safe.

Speaking to Digital Spy, a spokesperson for Strictly confirmed: "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."

The professional dancer's partner is thought to have tested negative, however no further news has been revealed. Due to this year's launch show having already been recorded, the positive test should not impact Saturday's viewing (18th September).

Current guidelines mean that the individual who tested positive must self-isolate for 10 days, if double vaccinated. With this in mind, it is possible that the dancer will appear on the next episode, however they won't be able to train with their partner prior to this.

2021 will see the show return to its usual glory, after Strictly had to alter various aspects in the 2020 series due to the pandemic. With BBC teasing the upcoming series just last week (8th September), we can see plenty of glitz and glam heading our way.

With huge names such as Tom Fletcher, Robert Webb and Gordon Ramsay's daughter Tilly Ramsay in the line-up, we cannot WAIT to start this year's series!

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing begins on BBC One on Saturday 18th September.

Check out which professional dancers will appear on Strictly in 2021:

Kai Widdrington

Cameron Lombard

Nikita Kuzmin

Jowita Przystal

Amy Dowden

Dianne Buswell

Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.

Giovanni Pernice

Italian Champion Giovanni Pernice is the longest-serving male professional on the current line-up of Strictly pros, having joined the show in 2015. He lifted the Glitterball with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis back in 2021 and was most recently paired with presenter Richie Anderson.