Strictly Come Dancing producers fear a winter flu outbreak could potentially impact this year’s cast after Adam Thomas felt unwell and had to cancel rehearsals.
The celebrities and their professional dance partners have been advised to prioritize their health, even if it means missing out on valuable rehearsal time.
A source has revealed that bosses fear the disease could spread quickly across the stars, which would be a “nightmare” for the show.
Adam had to skip training to avoid spreading his virus to others or to his partner, Luba Mushtuk, with whom he dances.
Speaking to The Sun, the source said: “We have given the celebrities and professionals a strict ban on training when they are sick to prevent them from spreading the disease.”
Shocking: Strictly Come Dancing producers fear a winter flu outbreak could potentially impact this year’s line-up after Adam Thomas fell ill and was unable to attend rehearsals
“Of course everyone on the show just wants to show up and get on with it, but if they spread their desire it could have a big impact.”
“It should actually be about glitter and sequins – not snot.”
The 35-year-old actor juggled his role in BBC school series Waterloo Road alongside his training on Strictly, but it seems the non-stop work finally got the better of him.
Earlier this week, the star shared a snap of herself lying in bed and nursing her head on Instagram. He looked a bit worn out.
He captioned the post: “All weeks off to be bad!” with a sad emoji.
Adam has since returned to training but his place on the show could be in jeopardy because he is missing so much training.
This isn’t the first time Adam has had to miss training for the primetime dance show.
Late last month, the father-of-two revealed he had missed an entire day of training due to his work commitments at Waterloo Road.
Balance: The actor juggled his training on Strictly with his role on the BBC hit school drama and it seems he’s finally got the upper hand (pictured during their waltz on Saturday night).
Breathtaking: Adam and Luba Mushtuk’s elegant waltz received thunderous applause from the audience and praise from the jury
Emotional: His brothers Scott and Ryan burst into tears as he performed his emotional waltz to Curtis Stigers’ “I Wonder Why” last weekend
Celebrate: Adam was thrilled with the feedback from the judges. Head judge Shirley Ballas said she was “blown away” by the dance
Family man: Adam, who is married to his wife of six years Caroline and has two children, son Teddy and daughter Elsie-Rose (pictured), described being away from home as ‘tough’.
In the role that launched his career, the 35-year-old can currently be seen again as Donte in the series alongside his co-stars Kym Marsh and Angela Griffin.
The show was rebooted last year after being canceled in 2015, and in September Adam shared a photo of Donte’s costume track, writing: “I’m missing a day of training today… but it’s worth it.” Work is work! Let’s go, Donte!!!’
As well as juggling two jobs, the former Emmerdale star is also battling rheumatoid arthritis, which he was diagnosed with in August and previously admitted to BBC Breakfast that rehearsals weren’t going as well as he had hoped due to his joint condition .
Adam, who is married to his wife of six years Caroline, told the newspaper that being away from home was “tough” and “the biggest emotional rollercoaster”.
He lovingly confessed that he constantly calls her to tell her how much he loves her.
On Saturday night, Adam left his famous brothers Scott and Ryan in tears as he performed his emotional waltz to Curtis Stigers’ “I Wonder Why” last weekend.
His elegant waltz received great applause from the audience and praise from the jury.
His twin brother and Love Island star Scott and Coronation Street actor Ryan burst into tears during his performance – as did Luba himself.
Afterward, Adam said, “I loved it.” It’s like a movie out there.
“That’s why I wanted to do Strictly.” I grumble. Two years ago I didn’t actually have a job, but now I have two!’
Strictly 2023: Week 4 Leaderboard
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin – Cha Cha Cha to Million Dollar Bill by Whitney Houston – 37 out of 40 points
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones – Salsa to Suavemente by Elvis Crespo – 33 out of 40 points
Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk – Waltz to I Wonder Why” by Curtis Stigers – 32 out of 40 points
Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice – Foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac – 31 out of 40 points
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington – Rumba to Rise Like a Phoenix by Conchita – 31 out of 40 points
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell – Tango to Fashion by David Bowie – 30 out of 40 points
Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe – Jive to Feel It Still from Portugal. The man – 29 out of 40 points
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – Samba to Copacabana by Barry Manilow – 28 out of 40 points
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima – Viennese waltz “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” by Brenda Lee – 28 out of 40 points
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu – Viennese waltz “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis – 28 out of 40 points
Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley – Paso Doble to By the Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers – 28 out of 40 points
Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer – American Smooth to Sex Bomb by Tom Jones – 24 out of 40 points
Jody Cundy and Jowita Przystał – Salsa to Samba de Janeiro by Bellini – 19 out of 40 points