Another Covid hit.
Presenter Jennifer Zamparelli will be missing this week’s episode of Dancing With The Stars after she has tested positive for Covid-19.
Former winner of the show Lottie Ryan is set to stand in for Jennifer alongside co-host Nicky Byrne on Sunday night’s episode.
And if all is looking well, Jennifer will be able to return to her 2FM show later next week, broadcasting from home.
Sunday night is set to see the third episode of Dancing With the Stars with all 12 couples set to take to the dancefloor for the first time in this year’s competition, with the first round of eliminations also set to follow.
This is not the first time the show has had to deal with Covid, with Love Island star Matthew MacNabb contracting the virus days before the first show and then professional dancer Emily Barker also being diagnosed with Covid-19 ahead of the show.
This meant that former newsreader Aengus Mac Grianna had to self isolate as he was deemed a close contact.
According to EVOKE, the show is set to give a “pass” to performers if they test positive to the virus during this year’s show and they will be allowed to continue to compete in the show after their isolation is up.
A spokesman told EVOKE: “Emily is due to perform on week two of Dancing With The Stars Ireland. Six dancers will perform tomorrow night and six on week two. There will no eliminations until week three.”
Producers were concerned about the vast spread of the Omicron variant and have agreed that anyone unable to perform due to it will get a “pass” until it is safe for them to come back.
An RTÉ spokesman told the Mail on Sunday: “RTÉ and Dancing With The Stars are working to robust health and safety procedures that are under continuous review. Contingencies are in place, and anyone who tests positive must self-isolate following the latest Government guidelines. Should anyone not be able to perform, all being well and adhering to guidelines, they can perform the next week.”
