Anton Du Beke waded into the Strictly Covid jab controversy on Good Morning Britain on Friday after it was reported a third pro dancer had refused the vaccine.
The new judge, 55, admitted that although everybody wants this year's installment to work out, there is no guarantee.
When asked what was going on behind the scenes, Anton said: 'In all seriousness I don’t know because I’m not a pro anymore so I’m not involved in the group.'
'If something spreads through the group - it’s the end of the show': Anton Du Beke waded into the Strictly controversy on GMB on Friday after a 'third professional dancer refused the Covid vaccine'
Shock: The new judge, 55, admitted that although everybody wants this year's installment to work out, there is no guarantee
'Everyone’s keeping their distance and wearing masks and everything’s geared up like we’re in the grip of the pandemic,' the former professional added.
'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.'
When asked what was going on behind the scenes, he said: 'I don’t know because I’m not a pro anymore so I’m not involved in the group'
Controversial: His former dance partner Kate Garraway pressed Anton on rumours that three choreographers had refused their vaccine
Anton went on to make a jibe at this year's contestants, who he said did a 'terrible' job during their first group dance last Saturday.
'As usual the group dance was terrible. I can’t wait to see what they’re going to produce. It can’t get any worse than that group dance.'
It follows a recent claim that a third star, who has already been paired with a celebrity and it is well-known among the cast, refused the jab, sparking resentment behind the scenes.
Assuring: 'Everyone’s keeping their distanced and wearing masks and everything’s geared up like we’re in the grip of the pandemic,' the former professional added
Hilarious: Anton went on to make a jibe at this year's contestants, who he said did a 'terrible' job during their first group dance last Saturday
Oh no! 'As usual the group dance was terrible. I can’t wait to see what they’re going to produce. It can’t get any worse than that group dance' (pictured last Saturday)
The reports came just days after it was claimed that two professional dancers had refused the Covid vaccine, sparking fears from bosses the show could be hit by another outbreak.
The pro, who has not been named, does not have to disclose whether they've been vaccinated to BBC bosses, because it is a private medical matter.
A source told The Sun: 'Producers are dreading an outbreak of Covid on the new series, which is a crucial part of the autumn schedule.
'They are taking every possible precaution to make the set as safe as possible, particularly as the studio audience is returning.'
Drama: Strictly has reportedly seen a third professional dancer refuse the Covid vaccination (Giovanni Pernice and Oti Mabuse are pictured)
Scare: Sources claim the star has already been paired with a celebrity and it is well-known among the cast that they have refused the jab (Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez pictured)
A Strictly spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We do not comment on speculation of somebody's COVID vaccination status.
'Strictly Come Dancing production has, and will, continue to follow strict government guidelines to ensure the safety of all on the show.'
This year's Strictly has once again seen stars and their professional dancers required to adhere to strict Covid safety measures, including being tested multiple times a week, and forming bubbles to perform and train safely.
Saturday's launch show, which was recorded earlier this month, saw this year's celebrity contestants discover their professional partners, with the 15 couples set to perform in the first live show this weekend.
Worries: On Saturday it was reported that two of the show's professional dancers had refused to get Covid jabs (Giovanni is pictured getting a Covid test)
On Saturday it was reported that two of the show's professional dancers had refused to get Covid jabs, ahead of the launch show being broadcast.
The identity of the dancers was not revealed and BBC bosses were said to be fearful that there could be a larger outbreak among those participating in the show.
A source told The Sun that if a 'proper outbreak' led to 'half the cast' contracting Covid-19, it would be 'curtains' for the show.
They added: 'Strictly already has to jump through hoops just to be able to broadcast. The dancers who won't get vaccinated have been a topic of conversation among cast and crew for weeks — even before the positive test.
'There were vocal protests from celebrities that they didn't want to be paired with them. It's a headache for bosses but employers cannot force workers to get jabbed.'
Reacting, ex-Strictly contestant Dr Ranj Singh said: 'I think, you know vaccination is not mandatory, it's an offer, and I think we should all be playing our part and doing whatever we can to try and keep everybody safe. Not just ourselves but those around us.
'There may be legitimate reasons for those people to not be able to have the jab and we've got to understand that, but I think we've all got a part to play to be as safe as possible.
'And that's not just about vaccination, that's about being careful around hand hygiene, trying to distance, wear a mask in enclosed spaces, and all those other things that we should be doing well.'
Worries: The identity of the dancers was not revealed and BBC bosses were said to be fearful that there could be a larger outbreak among those participating in the show
It came just three days after it emerged that one professional dancer has tested positive for Covid-19. The unidentified dancer was forced to isolate for ten days, but their celebrity partner tested negative.
Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse told Good Morning Britain in response to the news of the positive test that 'it is still a pandemic, we cannot ignore the fact as much as we want our lives back.'
She added: 'We will all be there and we will all be healthy and all keep on dancing - that's what I can say.'
Speaking of the two dancers' refusal to get vaccinated, the source added to The Sun: 'There were vocal protests from celebrities that they didn't want to be paired with them.'
As part of the measures in place to lessen the risk posed by the virus, dancers are tested multiple times a week.
Judge Motsi said on Friday: 'There are still issues here and the BBC is doing the upmost to keep everybody safe.
'We are being tested and we are trying to isolate as much as we can, but things can happen and we should be able to go through that, and everyone should be responsible and take care of themselves.
'But we can't plan these things so we just have to react, and hope that everybody stays healthy.'
Show bosses are reportedly still enforcing Covid-19 bubbles for its professional dancers, despite lockdown restrictions easing.
Wanting to minimise all potential risks, Strictly bosses have requested the show's
