Strictly Come Dancing contestant Judi Love has tested positive for Covid-19, the BBC show has announced.
The standup comedian and Loose Women panellist will miss this weekend’s shows with her professional dance partner, Graziano Di Prima, but will return to compete the week after.
The 41-year-old had been due to dance the cha-cha to Olivia Newton-John’s song Physical.
Her positive test follows those of her fellow competitor, McFly singer Tom Fletcher, and his partner, Amy Dowden, who missed the second week of the show.
A row had erupted as this year’s series began after it emerged that some of the professional dancers who coach the celebrities through the steps in the run-up to shows each week had not had their coronavirus vaccinations.
Love was in last week’s dance-off against actor Greg Wise, after finishing second from bottom in the judges’ scoring, but managing to secure the backing of all but one of the panel to stay in the competition.
It was the second time in as many weeks she had faced elimination but managed to survive the Sunday night decider.
Love has previously appeared in Celebrity MasterChef where she reached the final. She has also taken part in Celebrity Gogglebox and Channel 4 panel show 8 out of 10 Cats.
Strictly Come Dancing, which was launched in 2004, is in the fifth week of its 19th series. Others taking part this year include Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker and EastEnders actor Rose Ayling-Ellis.
A Strictly spokesperson 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.”
Love 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 JudiLove Strictly.”