Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood insists the show’s isolation rules won’t ignite the infamous ‘curse’

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has laughed off claims the show’s new isolation rules will spark the so-called ‘curse.’

The outspoken TV star, 55, insisted couples will only be allowed to return to their homes after rehearsals, as bosses introduce strict new measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It comes following reports that Strictly pros will leave their families to enter lockdown for six weeks ahead of the show’s return to ensure they are safe for filming.

Craig told Best magazine he doesn’t believe this year’s pairings will be anymore intense despite the new rules.

He said: ‘Haha, sadly not. As they won’t be living with each other. The rule is the dancer can go back to their home, and the celeb to either their home or a hotel.’

Craig added that following reports Bruno Tonioli will be unable to appear on this year’s series due to travel concerns, bosses may appoint guest judges to take his place.

He said: ‘Desperate times call for desperate measures. We’re lucky to be getting Strictly on the road at all. People need Strictly – and it’s happening – come hell or high water.’

Earlier this month it was reported that Strictly pros could be holed up in a hotel for up to six weeks to pre-film some of the dance routines that would appear in the show.

Bosses are thought to be introducing strict new measures to ensure the series will go ahead this autumn, thought it’s thought the show won’t air until the autumn. 

The dancers and the show’s crew will reportedly be holed up at a London hotel for four weeks from next month, getting bussed to the BBC’s studios in Elstree, Hertfordshire, to film their routines. 

According to The Sun, they will then isolate at home for a further two weeks before meeting up with their celebrity dance partners.

The source added: ‘The lockdown only affects people that need to be within two metres of each other. They’ll be constantly tested — that goes without saying.’

Strictly 2020 will run for nine weeks instead of its usual 13 and won’t start until the end of October amid the COVID-19 crisis, according to reports. 

BBC Director of Content Charlotte Moore has also revealed producers are still assessing contingency plans such as enforcing a face mask rule, dancing two metres apart and even quarantining celebrities and professional dancers.

Charlotte told The Times: ‘We’re looking at how that would work. Could you quarantine people? Can we test everyone before filming? There’s a lot of work being done. It’s a big task.’   

She also said fans could see the show go on-air without a live audience, with the BBC also looking into testing participants’ temperatures and installing glass divides inside the studio ‘so that people feel even more protected.’