Six Strictly dancers taken ill

22 October 2016

Six 'Strictly Come Dancing' professionals have been struck down by a mystery virus.

Brendan Cole

Brendan Cole has been replaced by Gorka Marquez for Saturday's (22.10.16) show, after he was struck down with a serious chest infection which saw him rushed to A&E shortly before he was due to dance on last week's episode and now Katya Jones, Janette Manrara, Neil Jones, Aljaz Skorjanec and Anton du Beke have all taken ill with flu-like symptoms.

A source told The Sun: "Preparations for this weekend have been hampered by this horrendous virus sweeping through the pros

"Brendan has spent the entire week away from training on doctor's orders, and won't be performing on Saturday night's show.

"Producers are now concerned some of the other pros could be following in his footsteps. "They have to rehearse and dance very intimately. And at the moment they are dropping like flies."

While Janette's celebrity partner Melvin Odoom has already been voted out, show bosses are worried about the other dancers.

Meanwhile, Brendan was advised by his doctors to rest this weekend as he is at risk of developing pneumonia.

A spokesperson for Brendan confirmed: "He's resting on the orders of his doctor but everybody hopes the rest will enable a return to form for Brendan in next week's competition.'"

A source close to Brendan told MailOnline: "Brendan's gutted not to be able to dance this weekend."