Boris Johnson wades into Strictly vaccines row – saying dancers should get jabs

It is understood that one of the unvaccinated professionals is paired up with a celeb. Not all professionals get a celeb pairing, but all of the dancing pro’s do perform for the Strictly audience with their own professional partners.

Boris Johnson has waded into the Strictly Come Dancing vaccines row urging all pro dancers to get their jabs.

The Prime Minister, who on his first foreign trip since the Covid pandemic hit, insists he is not trying to “hector” or “bully” anyone into getting both Covid vaccines.

Over the last week, three Strictly pro dancer’s have refused to get their Covid jabs, according to reports.

They are believed to be the only dancers out of 18 who have not been not vaccinated this series.

When asked what he would say to the Strictly stars who are refusing the vaccine, the PM said: “Everyone should take their jabs, everyone should take their jabs and I’m saying that non in a hectoring or bullying way, but just because I think it’s a great thing to do.”

It is understood that one of the unvaccinated professionals is paired up with a celeb.

Not all professionals get a celeb pairing, but all of the dancing pro’s do perform for the Strictly audience with their own professional partners.

Earlier this week a pro was rushed to isolation after testing positive for the virus. It is likely that the celeb will be partnered with another dancer.

A source told The Sun: “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.”

Former Strictly pro dancer James Jordan blasted the dancers who refused the Covid jab as “really selfish”.

Mr Jordan, who starred on the show from 2006 to 2013, said: “I would normally protect the professional dancers until the cows come home but on this particular occasion I can’t unfortunately.

“I just think it’s a really selfish thing to do.

“On previous years of Strictly, you’re working so hard and training so hard that everyone’s immune system gets very low and lots of people get sick anyway.”

Strictly has been grappling this Covid vaccine row since the new series launched last Saturday.

The highly-anticipated launch episode raked in the lowest-ever number of viewers since it first came about in 2010.

The episode drew in seven million viewers and peaked at 7.3million, compared to last year’s 8.6million viewers.

The BBC have been approached for comment.

The broadcaster previously told the Mirror: “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.”