ANTON Du Beke says unjabbed dancers who accidentally spread Covid backstage could cause “the end” of Strictly.
The new judge, 55, warned a coronavirus outbreak behind-the-scenes would cause the nineteenth series of the hit show to be pulled off air.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain earlier today after The Celeb Report revealed three professionals dancers had refused the life-saving vaccine, Anton said: “In all seriousness I don’t know (who is unjabbed) because I’m not a pro anymore so I’m not involved in the group.
“Everyone’s keeping their distance and wearing masks and everything’s geared up like we’re in the grip of the pandemic.
“It’s all taken seriously and everyone’s following government advice. If something spreads through the group then it’s the end of the show.
“Everyone wants it to work because of all their hard work. I can’t wait for the first show.”
However, the BBC has backed the unjabbed dancers after mounting pressure for them to be vaccinated to stay in the series.
The Celeb Report also revealed those embroiled in the anti-vax storm have said they would rather quit than be jabbed.
And former Strictly stars and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have waded into the row.
Ahead of the first live show this weekend, the BBC has released a statement making clear they are NOT enforcing stars to be vaccinated in order to compete.
A spokesman said: “A lot has been written about vaccinations and Strictly in recent days.
“The BBC has never commented nor confirmed the vaccination status of anyone on the show. It’s not our place to.
“It is not the case that concerns have been raised with the BBC or the Strictly production team from dancers or celebrities about vaccination, or that they have threatened to quit.
“We have in place strict procedures to protect those on the show and the wider production.
“Among the many measures in place on Strictly, the dancers are tested regularly to be in close contact with their partners.
“The cast, crew and everyone working on Strictly are focused on this weekend’s first live show and delivering another brilliant series.”
However, one household name in the line-up had no idea their new partner was unvaccinated while training together.
The celeb – who is pro-vaccine – was furious at the failure of BBC bosses to secure their medical safety despite tough Covid bubble measures.
A friend said: “They just couldn’t believe that their partner would not have had a jab.
“Strictly is the biggest show on TV and has been trumpeting its anti-Covid measures throughout the pandemic.
“They thought they’d be protected so to discover their partner hasn’t even had a single jab is very worrying.
“The couple have already spent tens of hours practising together. Clearly, there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions to be asked.”
