Strictly Come Dancing stars 'warned off' partying amid Covid-19 fears

Strictly Come Dancing producers have reportedly warned this year's contestants and their partners to avoid partying to minimise their risk of catching Covid-19.

Last year's series was hit by the virus after boxer Nicola Adams and her partner Katya Jones were forced to withdraw as the professional dancer tested positive for Covid-19.

According to The Daily Mirror, producers are apparently desperate to avoid another coronavirus cancellation and have warned celebrities and their dance partners to avoid parties and showbiz events while rehearsing for the show.

"Producers are obviously worried about a repeat," a source said. "They know with restrictions not as harsh as they were last year, it means events are back and the Strictly contestants are always top of everybody's invite lists.

"But this year, they're hoping the celebrities and pros will be sensible and put Strictly first for the sake of everyone. It isn't a blanket ban on them doing anything but the show, but they've been asked to restrict their diaries to keep the show on the road."

Contestants on this year's edition include BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker, Loose Women's Judi Love, McFly's Tom Fletcher, Peep Show's Robert Webb, and British Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.

Also competing will be actor Greg Wise - who will have a famous name cheering him on from the crowd in the shape of his wife, double Oscar winner Emma Thompson.

Explaining that his wife is looking forward to seeing him on the dancefloor, Greg told This Morning: "It's going to be so important having her there. She's done three films back-to-back this year, so she's exhausted now anyway."

The new series gets underway on 18 September.