Nicola Adams leaves Strictly after dance partner Katya Jones catches Covid

Former boxing pro and Jones made history as the BBC show’s first ever same-sex pairing

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Nicola Adams has been dropped from the show after her professional dance partner, Katya Jones, tested positive for coronavirus.

The former boxer and Jones made history as the BBC show’s first ever same-sex pairing.

Adams said she was “devastated” to end her time on the series prematurely.

“I had so much more to give and so many people to win this for,” she said in a statement released by the BBC, which you can read in full here.

“I’m gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the Covid measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I’m doing what I can to help.”

The pair are now isolating separately. According to the BBC, Jones is asymptomatic. Other members of the show’s crew are said to also be self-isolating after coming into contact with Jones, according to PA. 

“Dancing with Nicola has been an absolute inspiration,” Jones said, describing her partner as “a friend for life”. 

“She's given her all each and every week and we were so excited to create more dances in the competition.”

As part of the Covid regulations outlines before this year’s series began, the duo will not be permitted to return to compete for the glitterball trophy at any stage.

A statement from the BBC said: “Nicola Adams and Katya Jones are to leave Strictly Come Dancing after Katya tested positive for Covid-19”“Katya is asymptomatic and the pair are now self-isolating separately following the latest government guidelines. As part of the protocols outlined ahead of the series, this sadly means they will no longer be able to take part in the competition.”

Meanwhile, the other contestants are unaffected and Strictly Come Dancing will continue this Saturday night (14 November) on BBC One.