Pro dancer Katya Jones has had to pull the plug on her role in this season’s Strictly Come Dancing after contracting COVID-19, it was announced today. This means that boxer Nicola, 38, will now have to isolate for two weeks. The self-isolation period means she cannot be given a new partner and continue in the competition.
The BBC released the following statement in response: “As part of the protocols outlined ahead of the series, this sadly means they will no longer be able to take part in the competition.”
Sarah James, Strictly’s Executive Producer, added: “We are incredibly sad that these unfortunate circumstances mean that Nicola and Katya are unable to continue on Strictly … we are hopeful that there will be opportunities for them to dance again in the future.”
A BBC spokesperson confirmed that Katya is asymptomatic and the pair are now self-isolating separately following the latest government guidelines.