Strictly Come Dancing 2021: will Tom Fletcher return after positive Covid test - are the dancers vaccinated?

McFly musician Tom Fletcher and his Strictly Come Dancing professional partner Amy Dowden have both tested positive for Covid-19 it has been revealed.

With the news coming just one day after the live show of the series aired, Fletcher and Dowden will therefore be absent during week two of the dancing competition - but will two return to the show?

This is everything you need to know.

What happened?

Fletcher and his Strictly dance partner have revealed that they have both tested positive for Covid-19, one day after the first live show of the series.

The BBC announced on Sunday afternoon that Fletcher and Dowden would both be self isolating following their positive test results.

The BBC said in a statement: “Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden have tested positive for Covid-19.

“The pair are now self-isolating separately following the latest government guidelines.”

Fletcher’s positive test also meant that he missed out on McFly’s performance on Sunday (26 September).

The singer said he is “so, so sorry” to miss the gig, however the band went ahead with the gig without him at The SSE Hydro arena in Glasgow.

Prior to the concert, McFly said on Twitter: “Unfortunately Tom is unwell and won’t be onstage with us tonight in Glasgow.

“He sends huge and heartfelt apologies to all the fans he won’t see tonight.

“The show will still be going ahead, we’re looking forward to seeing you all and need you guys to sing extra loud for us tonight.”

Will the pair return to Strictly Come Dancing?

The BBC confirmed that following their period of isolation, if Fletcher and Dowden are both well enough to perform, they would be coming back to the dancing competition.

“Strictly Come Dancing protocols means that, all being well, they will return the following week.

“Strictly has and will continue to follow government guidelines in order to keep everyone safe,” the BBC said.

Dowden took to Instagram to share the news of her and Fletcher’s positive tests to assure fans that they would be “back on the Strictly dance floor for the live show in week three”.

She wrote: “Unfortunately @tomfletcher and I have tested positive for Covid-19. I’m not suffering any symptoms but am now isolating at home.

“I have no doubt that over the next 10 days my mind will be going crazy with choreography ideas ready to get back on the Strictly dance floor for the live show in week 3!

“Thank you for all of the support and good luck to all of the couples this week. I will be cheering you all on!”

Have all the dancers been vaccinated?

The news of Fletcher and Dowden testing positive for Covid-19 comes after unconfirmed reports that some of the dancers have not been vaccinated, however there is no suggestion that Fletcher and Dowden are among those numbers.

Before Fletcher and Dowden tested positive, it was revealed on Wednesday that an unnamed professional Strictly dancer had also tested positive for the virus. However, this did not impact the first episode as it was pre-recorded.

A source reportedly told The Sun: “Strictly already has to jump through hoops just to be able to broadcast. The dancers who won’t get vaccinated have been a topic of conversation among cast and crew for weeks - even before the positive test.

“There were vocal protests from celebrities that they didn’t want to be paired with them. It’s a headache for bosses but employers cannot force workers to get jabbed.

“Their stance has also miffed other pros, some of whom did not want to get jabbed but did so for the good of the show.

“Throw in one dancer already in isolation, and anxiety is at an all-time high.”

Prior to the first live show, the BBC said in a statement: “A lot has been written about vaccinations and Strictly in recent days. The BBC has never commented nor confirmed the vaccination status of anyone on the show. It’s not our place to.

"It is not the case that concerns have been raised with the BBC or the Strictly production team from dancers or celebrities about vaccination, or that they have threatened to quit.

"We have in place strict procedures to protect those on the show and the wider production. Among the many measures in place on Strictly, the dancers are tested regularly to be in close contact with their partners.

"The cast, crew and everyone working on Strictly are focused on this weekend’s first live show and delivering another brilliant series."

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