Craig Revel Horwood says Strictly's coronavirus safety precautions 'like prison'

Craig Revel Horwood has likened Strictly Come Dancing’s coronavirus safety precautions to being in prison.

The show returned to screens last month after concerns the COVID-19 pandemic would mean there would be no series in 2020.

However, with some schedule amendments and stringent safety measures put in place, the series has so far proven a hit with viewers.

Read more: Strictly couple missing each other in COVID bubble

Some of the measures put in place sees dancers and contestants sticking to their bubbles and being isolated from loved ones, and Revel Horwood has spoken recently about the rules.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, he said: “I’m being extra, extra cautious.We have had our own judges’ bubble and now Anton Du Beke has come in for Motsi. I’m dripping in PPE and keeping more than two metres apart.”

Despite safety measures in place, the series has still been impacted by the virus.

Judge Motsi Mabuse was forced to self-isolate per government guidelines after making an emergency trip to Germany, with already-eliminated pro dancer Anton Du Beke stepping in as replacement.

Strictly spin-off It Takes Two also received a blow when co-host Rylan Clarke-Neal revealed he had to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone with the virus.

Watch: Nicola Adams and Katya Jones out of Strictly

Former pro boxer Nicola Adams then had to leave the contest after partner Katya Jones tested positive.

Talking about Jones, Revel Horwood added: “It’s so secure backstage that I can’t see Katya could have picked this up here. It’s almost like prison with the checks. We’re temperature-checked at the gate before a bar lifts to let the car in.

Read more: Motsi Mabuse to miss 'Strictly' as she self-isolates after Germany trip

“By the next section you’ve gone through at least three stations where you have to clean your hands, wear a mask, put a visor on. And I’m locked in my cell until I’m called to stage.”

Strictly continues tonight on BBC one from 7.25pm.