Emily Barker has reportedly tested positive for Covid-19, forcing her to pull out of Dancing With The Stars this weekend.
According to the Irish Sun, the 25-year-old dancer is currently isolating, and her celebrity partner Aengus Mac Grianna has also had to restrict his movements as a close contact.
An insider told the newspaper: “Emily going down with the virus is a big blow for the opening show with five new dancers, two of them only in their teens.”
“Emily’s experience will be badly missed,” the source added.
RTÉ declined to comment on this story when contacted by Goss.ie.Â
The news comes just days after Love Island star Matthew MacNabb tested positive for the virus, meaning he will also miss the first show this Sunday.Â
Following public health guidelines, Emily should be back on the show next week with Aengus, and Matthew will finally make his DWTS debut with partner Laura Nolan.
Six celebrities will take to the floor tomorrow evening, including Gráinne Seoige, Neil Delamere, Cathy Kelly, Jordan Conroy, Missy Keating and Nicolas Roche.
The second show will feature debut dances from Aengus Mac Grianna, Billy McGuinness, Ellen Keane, Erica Cody, Matthew MacNabb and Nina Carberry.
There will be no eliminations until the third week of the show.
The new series of Dancing with the Stars premieres this Sunday, January 9, at 6.30pm on RTÉ One.
