Strictly Come Dancing star Kym Marsh has shared her experience of watching the ITV reality show from home after testing positive for coronavirus.
The Coronation Street actress, who is partnered with Graziano Di Prima on the show, missed last weekend’s instalment of the BBC One competition.
The BBC confirmed in a statement that Kym would have to withdraw from Saturday night’s live episode just weeks before the final, but she is now back for Musicals Week.
On the show on Saturday, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed the absence again, but also revealed Kym was watching from home.
Kym has now shared how she watched the show from her bed at home during an appearance on Thursday evening’s instalment of BBC Two spin-off It Takes Two.
Kym told host Janette Manrara: “It was so weird. I had such FOMO. I really did. I swapped sequins for tissues. I watched it with two tissues stuck up my nostrils.”
Sitting on the sofa next to her, a smiling Graziano then added: “She called me wrapped on the bed. I said, ‘Babe, don’t worry, don’t talk. Later, later.’”
Over the weeks, Kym has received much praise from the judges and viewers for her performances, particularly her Argentine Tango, which scored 37 points.
The actress and Graziano danced the Paso Doble to 'Only Girl (In The World)' by Rihanna / 'We Found Love' by Calvin Harris ft Rihanna last week, as the show returned to Blackpool for the first time in three years.
They gained 33 points for their performance, putting them second bottom on the leaderboard, in front of comedian Ellie Taylor and her pro partner Johannes Radebe, who have since exited the show.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said of Kym and Graziano’s routine: "I feel like you are in warrior mode. You are here and you are fighting."
"What I loved, it was so powerful but yet you still kept the femininity," Motsi Mabuse said praising Kym's control and energy.
Confirming the news of Kym's positive test result at the time, a Strictly spokesperson said: “ Kym Marsh has tested positive for Covid-19.
“As a result, Kym and Graziano will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns at the earlier time of Friday this week, to make way for the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup.
