Strictly fans furious as Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden get ‘free pass’ into third week after Covid rule change

STRICTLY fans have been left fuming after Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden got a "free pass" into the third week of the show after a Covid rule change.

The 36-year-old McFly star and his professional dance partner confirmed yesterday they had both tested positive for coronavirus.

As a result, they will miss this Saturday's live show but have confirmed they will be back with a bang the following weekend.

But Strictly viewers have accused the series of double standards - recalling how the show's first ever same-sex couple were disqualified last year when they tested positive for coronavirus.

Nicola Adams and her professional dance partner Katya Jones were forced out of the competition following their tests.

Taking to Twitter, one angry fan wrote: "Nicola being kicked off but Tom getting to stay another week doesn't sit right with me."

Another echoed: "Why was Nicola kicked off but Tom gets to stay despite both testing positive for Covid? Seems a bit unfair."

A third agreed: "Last year Katya and Nicola was kicked off #Strictly so why doesn’t the same rules apply to Amy and Tom this year?"

However, the self-isolating guidelines have changed since last year's show - and people who test positive for Covid only have to isolate for 10 days now, not two weeks.

In fact, if Tom and Amy are double vaccinated they can take another test in eight days' time and if they test negative can leave isolation even earlier.

This means that while Nicola and Katya would have had to miss two live shows, Tom and Amy are only getting the one bye.

A fan defended Tom on Twitter, writing: "We’ve had a year in between and Covid rules have changed in the UK. Also there is now a vaccine, so the wider ground rules have changed."

A second tweeted: "It's very simple. Last year, isolation had to be for 14 days, so a couple would have had to miss two weeks. Now it's 10 days, so they only have to miss one, and #Strictly has always allowed a one week bye for injury/illness."

Tom announced his Covid result just hours after being forced to pull out of McFly's concert due to illness, with the band saying in a statement: "Unfortunately Tom is unwell and won't be onstage with us tonight in Glasgow. Tom sends huge and heartfelt apologies to all the fans he won’t see tonight.

We’ve got to pull something special out of the bag for week 3.

Tom Fletcher

"The show will still be going ahead, we’re looking forward to seeing you all and need you guys to sing extra loud for us tonight!"

They later added: "Further to our last message we can now confirm that Tom has tested positive for Covid-19. He is now self isolating and following the latest government guidelines. Please join us in wishing him a speedy recovery."

Amy wrote on her Instagram page: "Unfortunately @tomfletcher and I have tested positive for Covid-19. I’m not suffering any symptoms but am now isolating at home.

"I have no doubt that over the next 10 days my mind will be going crazy with choreography ideas ready to get back on the strictly dance floor for the live show in week 3! Thank you for all of the support and good luck to all of the couples this week. I will be cheering you all on! 💖💖💖💖"

Tom promised big things upon his return, commenting on the post: "Rest up partner. We’ve got to pull something special out of the bag for week 3."

The Sun previously revealed how Strictly has faced chaos after multiple pro dancers refused to get the coronavirus vaccine.