...but comedian will be back next week 'all being well'

Judi Love will not be appearing in Strictly Come Dancing tomorrow after testing positive for Covid-19.

The comedian and Loose Women presenter is the second contestant to come down with the virus this series after McFly singer Tom Fletcher contracted it earlier in the run.

Love and dance partner Graziano Di Prima have been in the dance-off for the past two weeks, but were saved by the judges both times. This week, they had been due to perform the cha cha cha to Physical by Olivia Newton-John.

The 41-year-old comic tweeted: ‘Hey my lovelies it’s with great disappointment that I will not be performing this weekend @bbcstrictly due to testing positive with Covid 19. Hoping to make a speedy recovery & dance for you next weekend. Stay safe & thank you for your well wishes’

In a statement, a spokesperson for the show said: ‘Judi Love has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating following the latest government guidelines.

‘While Judi and Graziano will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week.’

The news follows the withdrawal of Peep Show star Robert Webb, who said he had ‘bitten off way more than I could chew’ by taking part in the competition just two years after open heart surgery.

Published: 22 Oct 2021