Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Craig Revel Horwood addresses professional testing positive for Covid-19 ahead of launch

Craig Revel Horwood has shared how the BBC is hot on public health guidelines after a Strictly Come Dancing professional tested positive for Covid-19.

A professional, who has not been named, is now in isolation for 10 days and has already been matched with their celebrity partner.

A Strictly spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘A professional dancer has tested positive for Covid-19 however this didn’t affect the recording of the launch show which airs this Saturday.

‘We are following government guidelines to ensure the safety of all on the show.’

This was something backed up by judge Craig, now the longest serving judge on the panel, who shared that the BBC will have to ‘keep addressing’ due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic.

He said on Wednesday’s Lorraine: ‘We had that last year and that is something I think the Beeb will always have to keep addressing.

‘It’s so brilliantly run backstage. Everyone is protected to the max by government guidelines. We’ve got a small audience and only a few people in the studio, we don’t pass on corridors, things like that.

Craig Revel Horwood gave his verdict on this year’s stars (Picture: ITV)

‘I think it’s still a great show. I miss the booing I’ve got to be honest and I do miss the honest reaction, you don’t know if any of your ideas have landed. It’s live so you have no clue but I think that’s part of the joy.’

He also confessed he is the most concerned about Dan Walker out of all of this year’s celebrity contestants.

Craig gave his prediction on this year’s lineup which includes McFly star Tom Fletcher, comedian Robert Webb and Olympian Adam Peaty.

The launch of Strictly is just days away (Picture: BBC)

The star confessed he was concerned about how Breakfast newsreader will fare in some of the Latin routines due to his height.

‘He’s so long he’s got so much to control,’ said Craig.

‘I think in the frame, he’s going to be absolutely gorgeous in the ballroom but I think the Latin is what he’s going to struggle with.’

Craig also noted Loose Women star Judi Love and Adam as stand outs, praising the swimmer’s ‘liquid’ hips.

Dan is getting fully into the Strictly spirit (Picture: Instagram)

Among the other changes this year is that the Blackpool ballroom episode has been axed for a second time, but Craig isn’t worried as ‘I’m already in Blackpool in Madame Tussauds.’

Craig will be joined by returning judges Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas, and long time Strictly dancer Anton Du Beke, who is replacing Bruno Tonioli.

On how why he and Anton are a great pairing, he told host Lorraine Kelly: ‘He’s been through it, he has empathy for all the contestants, he knows exactly what they’re going through – and I don’t care to be quite honest with you!’ he quipped.

‘I only care about the one minute 30.’

Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV.

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