Strictly’s launch show appears to have been hit by the “Covid curse”.
Only seven million viewers tuned in for Saturday’s opening episode of the series.
It is one of the lowest figures for a launch night after nearly nine million viewers watched last year.
One reason for the switch-off could be the controversial anti-vaxx row which has hit the show.
Two professional dancers – who have not been named – are said to have refused to be jabbed.
Viewers believe it sends out the wrong message at a time when people need protection from the virus, and it may have triggered a boycott of the show.
(Image: PA)
Even former health secretary Matt “Coco” Hancock waded into the row, blasting: “Getting the jab isn’t just about protecting yourself, but about protecting others. It is a social and moral obligation.
“In all my time in public life, I have never come across a group so blinkered and dangerous as the anti-vaxxers. It’s not just about you.”
A BBC spokeswoman said: “We do not comment on speculation of somebody’s Covid vaccination status.
(Image: Instagram)
“Strictly production has, and will, continue to follow strict government guidelines to ensure the safety of all on the show.”
It comes after a professional dancer was forced into isolation just days before the launch show when they tested positive for the virus earlier this week.
A spokesperson for the BBC show said at the time: “We do not comment on speculation of somebody’s Covid vaccination status. Strictly Come Dancing production has, and will, continue to follow strict government guidelines to ensure the safety of all on the show.”
(Image: danwalker/Twitter)
The show has been hit with plenty of bumps on the road over the past few days.
BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker was taken to hospital after injuring himself while training on Friday.
The TV presenter shared a snap of himself from the hospital room as he sat in a chair hooked up to blood pressure heart rate monitor.
The star revealed he had hit his head while training for the live show of Strictly Come Dancing, which will start on September 25, and received a CT scan which thankfully came back clear.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned to the ballroom on Saturday night as Strictly returned to television screens.
All 15 famous faces found out the identity of their professional dance partner.
The couples will take to the dancefloor for the first time next weekend.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday night on BBC One
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
