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'Strictly' contestant HRVY tests positive for the coronavirus

HRVY (PA)
HRVY (PA)

Strictly hopeful HRVY has tested positive for the coronavirus, just days before the launch show.

The 21-year-old singer and presenter confirmed the news on Twitter after rumours started to swirl.

He told his fans he did not have symptoms and would now be isolating.

“Hi, wasn’t gonna worry anyone and say anything but now the story’s out, i have coronavirus, I’m all good, no symptoms, just isolating for the next 10 days,” said the Thank You singer.

“Already super bored so prepare yourselves for my Tik toks.”

Read more: Strictly axes Halloween Week from upcoming series

He added on Instagram: “It just proves that us youngsters can get it and not even realise.”

“I’m fine, I’m chilling,” added the star, whose real name is Harvey Leigh Cantwell.

Watch: Every Strictly 2020 contestant revealed

Strictly’s launch show, when the celebrity contestants meet their professional partners ahead of the BBC competition, will air on 17 October.

The live shows will start on 24 October.

As the current guidance on the NHS website states that people testing positive “usually need to self-isolate for at least 10 days”, it is likely that HRVY will still be able to be a contestant.

Read more: BBC responds to complaints over Strictly’s same-sex couple

Strictly has faced a host of challenges to get off the ground for the 2020 series as a result of the pandemic.

The upcoming series will enjoy a shorter run than usual and its start date was put back to October from its usual September debut slot.

Show bosses previously confirmed that dancers who test positive for COVID-19 on the series will automatically be eliminated.

Executive producer Sarah James told press at a recent Q&A: "Unfortunately, if you receive a positive test, that means you wouldn't be able to continue in the competition. According to guidelines, you would have to isolate for two weeks and that would rule you out."

As well as HRVY, this year’s line-up includes actress Caroline Quentin, boxer Nicola Adams and reality star Jamie Laing, who is having another crack at the Glitterball trophy after injury forced him to drop out last year.

Yahoo has contacted the BBC for comment.

Watch: Strictly’s Nicola Adams will be in the show’s first same-sex pairing