Strictly: BBC says reports unvaccinated dancers would rather quit show than receive vaccine are ‘simply untrue’

The BBC has denied reports that unvaccinated dancers on Strictly Come Dancing would rather quit the show than receive the coronavirus vaccine.

It was recently reported that three of the professional dancers taking part in the 19th series had not been vaccinated against Covid-19, which was said to be causing complications ahead of the show’s live return on Saturday (25 September).

But despite overwhelming pressure, including from the prime minister, new reports from The Sun suggest that the three dancers are refusing to back down and have said that they would rather leave the show than receive the vaccine.

However, the BBC has now shut down these reports, with a spokesperson telling The Independent that the claims were “simply untrue”.

Earlier this week, former Strictly pro James Jordan joined Boris Johnson in encouraging the professional dancers to get vaccinated.

“I normally would protect the professional dancers until the cows come home but on this particular occasion, I can’t unfortunately,” he said.

“If the celebrities don’t want to dance with the professionals who haven’t been double vaccinated, that makes their job obsolete. There are loads of professional dancers who would love to do Strictly, get them on there.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday 25 September at 7pm on BBC One

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