Strictly stars Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden
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Strictly controversy as Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden remain in series after testing positive for Covid

Nicola Adams and Katya Jones were forced to leave the contest last year

Strictly Come Dancing fans have rushed to defend the show, after Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden tested positive for coronavirus.

The pair are now self-isolating and have been forced to skip next week’s live show.

However, some viewers criticised the decision as Nicola Adams and Katya Jones were forced to pull out of the competition last year.

Strictly news: Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden
Strictly Come Dancing stars Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden tested positive for coronavirus (Credit: BBC)

Read more: Strictly star Tom Fletcher and pro partner Amy Dowden test positive for COVID-19

The former partners left the competition after pro Katya tested positive.

At the time, the BBC shared: “Katya is asymptomatic and the pair are now self-isolating separately following the latest government guidelines.

“As part of the protocols outlined ahead of the series, this sadly means they will no longer be able to take part in the competition.”

Strictly Come Dancing criticised as Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden remain on show

But as Tom and Amy announced their news over the weekend, some were quick to slam the show.

On Twitter, one said: “Last year Katya and Nicola was kicked off #Strictly so why doesn’t the same rules apply to Amy and Tom this year?”

Another added: “Find it stupid how last year Katya and Nicola had to bow out last year, but Tom and Amy only miss next week’s show! #Strictly.”

Nicola Adams and Katya Jones on Strictly
Nicola Adams and Katya Jones pulled out of the competition last year (Credit: BBC)

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing scores blasted as ‘messed up’ by fans following first live show

A third complained: “Someone explain why when Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden test positive for COVID they’re allowed to return to Strictly in week 3. But when Nicola Adams and Katya Jones test positive they weren’t allowed to return to the series OR get invited back for the next one?”

A fourth said: “Nicola being kicked off but Tom getting to stay another week doesn’t sit right with me. #Strictly.”

Another raged: “If Tom Fletcher is allowed to return to Strictly the week after catching COVID, then why wasn’t Nicola Adams allowed?”

Strictly viewers defend the decision

However, some viewers rushed to defend the series.

One responded: “Last year isolation rules were different. Nicola & Katya would have missed 2 shows. Tom & Amy will only miss 1 show.”

Another commented: “Isolation rules are different this time.”

A third shared: “Different rules – and Tom and Amy won’t be back in unless they get a clear test. Strictly protocol is that anyone can have a one week bye if issues from illness or injury but no more.

“Last year gov rules were 2 weeks isolation after positive test so Nicola and Katya out.”

A fourth pointed out: “We’ve had a year in between and COVID rules have changed in the UK. Also there is now a vaccine so the wider ground rules have changed.”

Isolation rules are different this time

Meanwhile, Tom recently released a statement to reveal he had been forced to withdraw from next week’s live show.

He also explained that he couldn’t perform on tour with McFly.

The band announced: “Tom has tested positive for Covid-19. He is now self isolating and following the latest government guidelines. Please join us in wishing him a speedy recovery.”

ED! has contacted the BBC for further comment.

Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden Cha Cha to September by Earth Wind and Fire ✨ BBC Strictly 2021

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor