Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly been hit with a wave of Covid-19 this week, with many of the crew beat down with the extrememely contagious virus.
It’s thought that the outbreak has seen seven crew and production members tests positive, leaving producers scrambling to ensure the dancing competitionstill runs smoothly.
And it comes as contestant Kym Marsh was the first to test positive, meaning the Coronation Street actress, 46, and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima, 28, were forced to sit out of the competition this weekend.
Disaster: Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly been hit with a wave of Covid amongst crew, with seven members of the production team thought to be beat down by the virus
According to The Sun, the show is hoping to resume it’s normal service next week, after adjusting to the Covid vancancies.
A source allegedly told the publication: ‘Obviously it’s a real blow to have Kym knocked out this week. And then the crew members starting falling sick too.’
Continuing that the bosses were ‘praying’ no one else came down with Covid, the insider added that while the celebrities are the main event, losing production members can also have a massive impact.
Fallen ill: The news comes after Kym Marsh was forced to sit out this week following a positive test result
Tough: According to The Sun, the show is hoping to resume it’s normal service next week, after adjusting to the Covid vancancies
‘Stictly runs as a well-oiled machine, but it is only able to do that because of the crew, who have to be on their A-game for pretty much the whole series,’ added the source.
MailOnline has contacted Strictly Come Dancing representatives for comment.
Earlier this week, a Strictly spokesperson confirmed that Kym would be sitting out this week as a result of the virus.
They told MailOnline: ‘Kym Marsh has tested positive for Covid-19. As a result, Kym 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.’
Bad luck! Earlier this week, a Strictly spokesperson confirmed that Kym would be sitting out this week as a result of the virus (stock image)
And the announcement came just two weeks after Kym admitted she nearly quit the show after suffering a crippling panic attack just hours before the live show.
The television star was said to have burst into tears before she was consoled by twinkle-toed star Graziano ahead of a live show that aired last month.
Former Coronation Street actress Kym, who is said to have contemplated quitting the contest due to her overwhelming anxiety, told The Sun: ‘It just came over me, almost out of nowhere, and I couldn’t carry on.’
Nightmare: ‘Kym Marsh has tested positive for Covid-19 . As a result, Kym and Graziano will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend,’ a source told MailOnline
It is claimed Kym struggled to continue dancing, prompting producers to comfort her as she calmed down, and hours later she took to the floor again during the live show and completed her dance.
Former Hear’Say singer Kym added: ‘I’ve always suffered from panic attacks. It’s something I don’t mind talking about because I know it can affect anyone at any time.
‘Sometimes it has been ages (since an attack) and then suddenly one just hits.
‘Everyone thinks that because you’re on the telly you must be amazingly confident, but the truth is that I’m not always and this is how that comes out.’
Emotional: And the announcement came just two weeks after Kym admitted she nearly quit the show after suffering a crippling panic attack just hours before the live show
She added that she did not know what brought on the panic attack, surmising that it could have been that she’d had some harsh comments from the judges combined with the fact she’d also been working other jobs, leaving her emotional and exhausted.
Kym said she ‘lost her confidence completely’ and ‘went to pieces’, admitting she did not see how she could carry on with the show.
Despite having therapy in a bid to curb her anxiety, Kym said it can still ‘creep up’ on her.
Meanwhile, Kym and Graziano were awarded 31 points for their American Smooth to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol during the eighth episode of the show, which she dedicated to her late son Archie.
He passed away following a premature birth in February 2009.
Emotional: The television star was said to have burst into tears before she was consoled by twinkle-toed star Graziano ahead of a live show that aired last month
The actress said in her VT: ‘It reminds us of my son Archie. I gave birth to him prematurely and unfortunately he died shortly after.
The emotional star continued: ‘I feel by doing this dance, it will be not only in memory of Archie but get people talking about their own experiences.’
Kym and her ex-husband Jamie Lomas were left heartbroken when their child passed away at just 21 weeks, following a premature birth in February 2009.
Judge Motsi Mabuse said: ‘The message you tried to put through, the fragility and vulnerability came through, it was so clear. It started so well, I don’t know what happened. There was a sudden change of energy and I don’t know why. There was a great ending and it started so wonderfully.’
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One at 7:15pm on Sunday – when one more couple will be eliminated from the contest.
Speaking out: Former Coronation Street actress Kym, who is said to have contemplated quitting the contest, said her panic attack ‘just came over me, almost out of nowhere’
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
KYM MARSH
Age: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: Radio DJ
Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’
ELLIE TAYLOR
Age: 38
Profession: Comedian
Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’
TONY ADAMS MBE
Age: 55
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’
MOLLY RAINFORD
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: Singer
Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio broadcaster
Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk