In a very sad turn of events, Nicola Adams has been forced to pull out of this series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Olympic boxer, the first contestant on the show to ever dance with a same-sex partner, has withdrawn from the show after her professional dance partner, Katya Jones, tested positive for coronavirus.
According to reports, Nicola has tested negative. The Sun have reported that the BBC are investigating how Katya caught Covid - and that the investigation is thought to include Katya's visit to a sandwich shop before she tested positive. The pair had just been in the bottom two, but had been kept in the competition following the Movies-themed week of dances.
Despite an assumption that recently departed contestant Jason Bell could now return, this is not thought to be the case.
'Nicola Adams and Katya Jones are to leave Strictly Come Dancing after Katya tested positive for COVID-19', said the BBC.
'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.'
'I’m absolutely devastated my Strictly journey has come to an end so soon', says Nicola. 'I had so much more to give and so many people to win this for! But I just want to say a huge thank you to Katya for being the best dance partner anyone could ask for. She pushed me way out of my comfort zone and it’s been an incredible experience.'
'Dancing with Nicola has been an absolute inspiration', adds Katya. 'She’s given her all each and every week and we were so excited to create more dances in the competition. Of course, I’m devastated to leave this way but I’ve made a friend for life and loved every moment of this special journey. I’d like to wish good luck to all the remaining couples!'
Read the whole statement here:
Strictly Come Dancing Winners - slider
1 of 16Series 1 winner – Natasha Kaplinsky
Natasha was our first EVER Strictly winner. The television presenter graced our screens in 2004 alongside her dancing partner Brendan Cole.She won the show dancing the Quickstep (36 points), the Samba (31 points) and the Showdance (35 points).Natasha has since returned to presenting and you can see her on ITV news.
2 of 16Series 2 – Jill Halfpenny
Actress Jill won series two with her dancing partner Darren Bennett. She took the crown from Natasha dancing the Foxtrot (34 points) and the Jive (40 points).The actress who has previously starred in EastEnders, Coronation Street and Waterloo Road.
3 of 16Series 3 – Darren Gough
In 2005 Darren became the first man to win Strictly.He won the show dancing the Foxtrot (36 points) and the Paso Doble (36 points) alongside his partner Lilia Kopylova.Darren and Lilia also won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2005.He retired from cricket in 2008 and has since been presenting a radio show on talkSPORT.
4 of 16Mark Ramprakash
Mark won the BBC show back in 2006.With his professional partner Karen Hardy they won the show dancing the Tango (34 points), the Salsa (40 points) and the Samba (36 points).Mark is now the England cricket team's batting coach.
5 of 16Series 5 – Alesha Dixon
Alesha Dixon won series five of the show in 2007.The singer won the BBC show dancing the Waltz (39 points), the Cha Cha Cha (38 points) and the Jive (35 points) alongside her partner Matthew Cutler.Alesha later became a judge on the show during series seven, eight and nine.She has continued making music and if you watch ITV's Britain's Got Talent then you'll see her as a judge on there.
6 of 16Series 6 – Tom Chambers
Back in 2008, viewers saw Tom win the glitterball trophy.Alongside his partner Camilla Dallerup he won the show dancing the Foxtrot (35 points) and the Salsa (38 points).Since winning the show, Tom has continued acting.
7 of 16Series 7 – Chris Hollins
The news presenter won the show in 2009 during the seventh series.Alongside his partner Ola Jordan, Chris won the show dancing the Foxtrot (46 points), the Charleston (50 points), the Lindy Hop (44 points) and the Showdance (46 points).Chris has continued presenting and recently co-presented the TV show, Secret Britain.
8 of 16Series 8 – Kara Tointon
The former EastEnders actress won series eight of Strictly in 2010.Kara won the show dancing the Rumba (39 points), the Showdance (36 points), the Waltz (38 points) and the American Smooth (37 points) with her partner Artem Chigvintsev.After three years of dating her dance partner Artem the pair split. The former EastEnders actress has continued acting and earlier this year after announcing she's engaged, the TV star left everyone wondering whether she's pregnant after she was pictured 'cradling' her belly.
9 of 16Series 9 – Harry Judd
The McFly drummer won series ten of the BBC show in 2012 with his partner Aliona Vilani.He danced the Quickstep (40 points), the Showdance (37 points), American Smooth (39 points) and the Tango (40 points) in the final.Harry has since returned to the band McFly and is now a dad to Lola and Kit with his wife Izzy.
10 of 16Series 10 – Louis Smith
The Olympic gymnast won the show in 2012.Louis won the show with his partner Flavia Cacace and in the final they danced the Salsa (39 points), the Charleston (39 points) and the Showdance (40 points).Since winning Strictly, Louis has continued to represent Great Britain in the Olympics.
11 of 16Series 11 – Abbey Clancy
The Britain's Next Top Model runner up won Strictly in 2013.With her partner Aljaz Skorjanec, she won the show dancing the Waltz (40 points), the Showdance (38 points) and the Quickstep (38 points).Since the show, Abbey has returned to Britain's Next Top Model as the host.
12 of 16Series 12 – Caroline Flack
The former X Factor presenter won Strictly in 2014.In the final along with her partner Pasha Kovalev, she danced the Cha Cha Cha (40 points), the Showdance (40 points) and the Charleston (40 points).After the show Caroline has presented The X Factor (alongside Olly Murs), Text Santa and of course, Love Island before her death in 2020, aged just 40.
13 of 16Series 13 – Jay McGuiness
Following in the footsteps of McFly's Harry Judge, The Wanted boyband member Jay McGuiness won the BBC show in 2015.With his partner Aliona Vilani, Jay danced the Quickstep (36 points), the Showdance (35 points) and the Paso Doble (39 points).After winning the show he starred in the musical Big and went on to win Celebrity Hunted with his former bandmate Siva Kaneswaran.
14 of 16Series 14 - Ore Oduba
TV presenter Ore Oduba won the glitterball trophy in 2016 alongside his partner Joanne Clifton.During the final the pair danced to American Smooth (39 points) and they scored a whopping 40 points for the Showdance and the Jive.After winning the show, Ore has welcomed his first child into the world with his wife Portia and has continued presenting.
15 of 16Series 15 - Joe McFadden
Actor Joe McFadden and his professional dance partner Kayta Jones won Strictly Come Dancing in 2017.They managed to win the judges and the public over with the Showdance (39 points), Vienesse Waltz (39 points) and Charleston (40 points).Not only did he win Strictly but the 42-year-old actor broke a record and became the oldest ever winner of the show. Go Joe!Strictly 2017 winner has continued actor after getting the glitterball trophy.
16 of 16Series 16 - Stacey Dooley
Stacey Dooley won this year's Strictly with her professional dance partner Kevin Clifton.