Pensioners have been banned from competing on this year’s Strictly, we can reveal.
Bosses had to rule them out after insurance firms refused to offer cover.
Celebs over 60 would be too vulnerable to take part because of coronavirus, it has been declared.
A show insider said: “The virus is far more dangerous for older people, so insurance companies have said it’s not possible to offer cover. The risk of them catching the virus and suffering severe health problems would be too big.
David Dickinson is aged over 60 and has been one of the best-loved contestants on Strictly
“So it’s simply not possible for the show to sign up any celebs from that age group.” The ruling has sparked a crisis behind the scenes on the dance contest.
Producers had secured some household names aged over 60 but have now had to pull them from the proposed line-up.
Our insider added: “The older ones are often the veteran stars who everyone has been following for years. Viewers love seeing them giving it a go.
John Sergeant is another former contestant who is over 60 (Image: BBC)
“Execs are devastated because they’ve had to lose some really great names.”
Some of Strictly’s best-loved contestants over the years have been over 60. They include Ann Widdecombe, John Sergeant, David Dickinson and Jimmy Tarbuck.
An industry source said: “This is a nightmare for Strictly. The older celebs are often the biggest names and the ones viewers love the most.”
Ann Widdecombe and her Strictly dance partner Anton Du Beke (Image: BBC)
Last week, we revealed bosses plan to axe the annual visit to Blackpool, group dances and the studio audience to ensure social distancing.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
