Strictly Come Dancing celebs will be eliminated if they test positive for Covid-19

It's harsh, but also very necessary to follow guidelines!

Author: Alex RossPublished 28th Sep 2020

With the majority of TV shows being cancelled or postponed this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, BBC bosses have been doing everything in their power to ensure the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing goes ahead, and by the sounds of it that includes some very strict measures.

Sarah James, the Executive Producer for Strictly Come Dancing, has been speaking to the Radio Times, where she's confirmed that any celebrities who test positive for Covid-19 will automatically be eliminated from the show.

She told the publication, "Unfortunately if you receive a positive test, that means you wouldn't be able to continue in the competition.

"Obviously with government guidelines, if you receive a positive test you have to isolate for two weeks and that would unfortunately rule them out of the show."

The news comes just weeks after 12 famous faces were announced for the show, including actress Caroline Quentin, comedian Bill Bailey, and Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing.

Which celebrities are taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2020?

Caroline Quentin

Actress Caroline Quentin will take part in the 2020 series. She's most famous for roles in popular shows such as Men Behaving Badly and Jonathan Creek.

Max George

Former The Wanted star Max George will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of his band mate Jay McGuiness, after Jay won the show back in 2015.

Jason Bell

Former American footballer Jason Bell will be showing off his moves on the dance floor! He's also the ex-boyfriend of Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle.

Ranvir Singh

Good Morning Britain presenter will be mixing early morning and grueling rehearsals as she's signed up for the 2020 series.

Nicola Adams OBE

Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams will make history on the show as she's set to be part of the first ever same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing.

Clara Amfo

Radio and TV presenter Clara Amfo has also been confirmed for the 2020 line-up!

Bill Bailey

Comedian Bill Bailey revealed he decided to take part in the show for a new 'challenge', admitting his late mum would have loved watching him on the show.

JJ Chalmers

Scottish TV presenter JJ Chalmers has also joined the line-up! The former Royal Marine is best known for being a public speaker and an Invictus Games medallist.


JJ suffered some life-changing injuries in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2011.

Jamie Laing

After being forced to quit the show in 2019 due to injury, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is back to show off his moves in 2020!

Maisie Smith

EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, who plays the role of Tiffany Butcher on the BBC soap, has also been announced in the line-up.

HRVY

Pop star HRVY, real name Harvey Leigh Cantwell, is the 11th celebrity to join the line-up.

Jacqui Smith

The line-up is completed by former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

Now that this year's celebrities have been announced, the contestants are set to self-isolate with their professional partners ahead of the brand new series starting in October, with contact between each pairing also expected to be at a minimum.

In terms of the judging panel, Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas will all return, but popular judge Bruno Tonioli won't be in the studio due to him currently working out in America for Dancing With The Stars.

However, during an interview on Good Morning Britain earlier this month, Bruno did reveal he will still have some involvement in the series, giving his opinions on the dances every week via a video chat during the results show.

The Strictly launch show will take place on Monday 12th October, with the first show airing on Saturday 24th October.

Find out everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2020 right here.

For great music and incredible competitions tune into MFR on FM and DAB across the North of Scotland, online, on our app, or say ‘Play MFR’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.