Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has responded to the news that one of the show's dancers has tested positive for COVID-19.
Earlier this week, it emerged that there was a positive test in the professional line-up, with Strictly confirming that it hadn't affected this weekend's pre-recorded launch show.
Appearing on today's (September 17) Good Morning Britain, Motsi was asked about where things stand, with Ben Shephard noting the fragility of the situation last year with stars such as Katya Jones and Nicola Adams having to exit the show.
Related: Strictly's Nina Wadia reveals what she hates about the series so far
"It is still a pandemic, we cannot ignore the fact," the judge noted. "As much as we want our lives back there are still issues here, and the BBC is doing its utmost to keep everybody safe.
"We're being tested and we're trying to isolate as much as we can. But things can happen, and we should be able to go through that, and everybody should be responsible and take care of themselves.
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"But we can't plan these things. So we just have to react and hope that everybody stays healthy."
Related: Strictly's Katie McGlynn tells Maura Higgins not to worry about Giovanni Pernice during new series
Asked whether the positive test could potentially lead to a last-minute pairing swap ahead of the first live shows in a few weeks' time, Motsi struck an optimistic note.
"There is such a long time from the first recording to the start that I think we'll all be there, all be healthy, and all keep on dancing," she said. "That's what I can say for now."
Meanwhile, ahead of the launch show this weekend, contestant AJ Odudu has revealed how she'll take on criticism from the judges during the series.
Strictly Come Dancing 2021's launch show airs at 7.45pm this Saturday (September 18) on BBC One.
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