'Strictly' star HRVY reveals he was reprimanded by BBC bosses for appearing to not social distance

Picture Shows:  HRVY, Janette Manrara - (C) BBC - Photographer: Guy Levy
Picture Shows: HRVY, Janette Manrara - (C) BBC - Photographer: Guy Levy

HRVY has revealed that he and some of his fellow Strictly Come Dancing stars got a telling-off from BBC bosses after being photograph appearing not to stick to social distancing rules.

The singer, EastEnders actor Maisie Smith and professional dancers Gorka Marquez and Janette Manrara were said to be breaking social distancing protocols in pictures first published to The Sun.

HRVY, real name Harvey Cantwell, has now said he reckons they were walking with less than the required two metres distance between them, but that they had been reprimanded by the BBC as a result.

Read more: Strictly fans back Maisie Smith over ‘dance of the series’

The 19-year-old told PA news agency: “It was me and a couple of other pros going from one studio to the next studio outside, and obviously we try our best to socially distance when we are walking around the studios and outside but obviously when you are walking and talking you don’t even realise.

Watch: HRVY addresses rumours of Maisie Smith romance

“But no one touched each other. I just think we were maybe slightly closer than two metres while we were talking. But also the cameras, when you get a picture taken of you it can make you look a lot closer than you actually are.

“But the BBC told us off and everything is all good and everyone is trying their best to maintain all the rules and regulation. We are all good. We are all OK.”

In order to ensure the show can continue, the cast and crew are subject to routine COVID-19 tests with the contestants forming support bubbles. The BBC states this means that “one half of the bubble is a single adult household living alone, while the other half may remain with their household”.

HRVY is partnered with Janette Manrara on the BBC show. (BBC/Guy Levy)
HRVY is partnered with Janette Manrara on the BBC show. (BBC/Guy Levy)

A few weeks before the live shows began HRVY was revealed to have tested positive for the coronavirus, however, he recovered in time to compete.

Read more: Shirley Ballas says Strictly final could be anyone’s

Nicola Adams and dancer Katya Jones were forced to withdraw from the competition two weeks ago after Jones tested positive.

Although no longer able to compete, the pair will return to dance in the show's final.

Watch: Nicola Adams will return to dance on Strictly

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