Nicola Adams forced to pull out of Strictly after dance partner Katya Jones tests positive for Coronavirus

Strictly Come Dancing 2020
PA
Lizzie Edmonds @lizzieedmo12 November 2020

Boxer Nicola Adams and her partner Kayta Jones have been forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing after the Russian dancer tested positive for coronavirus.

The BBC this afternoon confirmed the couple - the first same-sex pairing in the show’s history - are out of the competition, with both now having to isolate until later in the month.

Jones, 31, has tested positive for Covid-19, but did not have any symptoms, the BBC confirmed.

Olympic hero Adams, 38, has reportedly tested negative.

Under governement guidelines, Jones is now required to isolate for 10 days. Adams must stay in quarantine for two weeks as she has had direct contact with the dancer.

Strictly Come Dancing 2020 Contestants - In pictures

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Jones has reportedly told BBC bosses she doesn't know how she picked up the infection.

The BBC have confirmed no other cast members will be impacted and the show will continue from this Saturday.

The couple will not be replaced.  Sources close to Nicola have indicated she would like to return to the series in 2021 - much like Jamie Laing did this year after he pulled out in 2019 due to injury.

In a statement released today, Adams said: "I’m absolutely devastated my Strictly journey has come to an end so soon. 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. I’m gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I’m doing what I can to help. 

"I’ll be spending the next 14 days isolating so I’d like to apologise in advance for the ridiculous amount of TikToks I’ll be posting, in my new found free time when I’m not gaming!"

Jones said: “Dancing with Nicola has been an absolute inspiration. 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!"

Sarah James, Strictly Come Dancing Executive Producer said: "We are incredibly sad that these unfortunate circumstances mean that Nicola and Katya are unable to continue on Strictly. 

“They are a brilliant partnership and had already achieved so much during their time on the show.  We'd like to thank them for their commitment and although their time in the competition has sadly come to an end we are hopeful that there will be opportunities for them to dance again in the future.”

Spin off show It Takes Two presenter Gethin Jones said Katya Jones does not have any symptoms and is “feeling good” after testing positive for Covid-19.

The presenter was standing in for Rylan Clark-Neal on the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off after Clark-Neal came into contact with someone outside of work who has tested positive.

Gethin Jones said: “I am afraid I have some very sad news for you tonight. Some of you may already know that Nicola and Katya have had to withdraw from the competition after Katya tested positive for Covid-19.

“She doesn’t have any symptoms and is feeling good but is obviously devastated that their time on Strictly has come to an end early, as we are.

“We will get them on the show for a chat as soon as their self-isolation period is over. Nicola and Katya – we are sending you all the love tonight.”

Contestant Maisie Smith said: “It’s actually so sad. I hear Katya and Nicola from my dressing room every single Saturday so it’s going to be weird not just not hearing anything.”

Shirley Ballas and Claudia Winkleman 
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Cen

Her professional partner Gorka Marquez added: “It’s sad because the whole team has put in so much effort. All of us have been taking so much care.

“But the virus is out there. Anyone can get it. It’s sad and they were doing such a brilliant job.

“Katya was so excited to be dancing with Nicola and they are just going to be missed.”

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas said she is “absolutely gutted” that Nicola Adams has exited the competition.

She told talkRADIO: “I’m absolutely gutted, you know it’s historic and this partnership, it was doing so well.

“They were certainly going to go far in my estimation. It was a just a fantastic team and partnership and they brought light every week.”

Strictly Come Dancing
Nicola and Katya on the dance floor
PA

The pair found themselves in the dance-off last week after failing to impress with their Grease-inspired routine.

However, they were saved by the judges and former NFL player Jason Bell instead became the second celebrity to get the boot.

The previous week Adams and Jones wowed the panel with an emotive routine to Shine by Years & Years, scoring 24 and placing them towards the top of the scoreboard.

Measures such as social distancing, the couples forming ‘bubbles’, regular testing for all cast and crew and limited audiences have been implemented by the BBC so that the show could go ahead. 

Ahead of the show starting last month, the BBC released its Covid-19 protocols, including what would happen if a contestant or professional developed symptoms. 

Adams meeting the Queen 
AP

The guidance reads: “If someone develops symptoms on set they are immediately sent home to isolate and be tested. We will follow the government guidelines regarding isolation times and if a pro or celeb has symptoms, their dance partner must also isolate until we have the test result. Unfortunately due to the current length of the recommended isolation period, a positive Covid test result may mean a couple has to withdraw from the competition.”

Adams, a double flyweight Olympic gold medal winner, is not the first celebrity to pull out of the show early.

Previous contestants Will Bayley, Will Young, John Sergeant, Kelly Brook, Jimmy Tarbuck and Jade Johnson all withdrew from the biggest dancing show on TV.

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