Craig Revel Horwood says coronavirus has put the 'Strictly Come Dancing' curse "on the back foot" this year.
Craig Revel Horwood
The 55-year-old judge has assured fans that this year's crop of celebrity contestants haven't fallen for each other or any of the pro dancers, because the social distancing rules are preventing them from getting close to their co-stars.
Writing in his Best magazine column, he said: "As ever, I am on the hunt for gossip to keep you lot entertained, but the curse is on the back foot this year!
"There is no opportunity for people to have a drink together, let alone anything else! If any sparks were flying, they'd have to do it at long distance, drenched in Dettol. They are very strict about the rules at Elstree - and quite right too."
But that has not stopped one contestant, HRVY, from potentially pursuing a romance with another, Maisie Smith, as he recently admitted he would like to take the 'EastEnders' star out for dinner once the competition has finished.
He said: "I'm sure at one point, when we can, Maisie and I will go out for dinner. I'm pretty sure she's single too. I haven't actually asked, but if we ever go for a meal, I'll make sure I check first.
"It's dancing first - then love and fun afterwards. I'll be in my prime and ready. Maisie's an amazing girl, very beautiful, but for now I'm just going to concentrate on the dancing because I fancy getting to the final."
However, he insisted there will be no kissing before the show ends, as 'Strictly' bosses have banned it due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added: "I won't kiss anyone - and I definitely have not kissed Maisie.”
Maisie recently admitted she would consider getting to know her 'Strictly' co-star more, describing HRVY as a "beautiful-looking guy", but she is also concentrating on her dancing for the time being.
Maisie said: "Not right now. He is a beautiful-looking guy. But I have only seen him for a couple of hours a week so I am still enjoying getting to know him.
"I don't know what would happen in the future, but for now we are getting along really well as friends."
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