Craig Revel Horwood says coronavirus restrictions could "magnify the joy or the pain" for this year's 'Strictly Come Dancing' contestants.

Craig Revel Horwood

Craig Revel Horwood

The 55-year-old TV star has admitted that the contestants will face some unique pressures this year, owing the impact of coronavirus measures.

Reflecting on the recent changes, he said: "There are the bubbles – and if you’re in a bubble, you’re stuck with that person – there is no getting out of it. If two people don't necessarily get on ... it will either magnify the joy, or the pain!

"People will be a little on edge – that will spark up relationships. It remains to be seen, will the dancing be better, or suffer? It's getting mentally prepared for that and coping with nerves.

"But other years, people have had lots of other jobs to juggle – this year, the positive is they can focus more on the dancing and the pairing."

Craig also acknowledged that the restrictions will have a behind-the-scenes impact, too.

The 'Strictly' judge - who has appeared on the BBC show since its inception in 2004 - told Digital Spy: "Less behind-the-scenes socialising for us, sadly! There's no BBC bar – no socialising after the show. It's going to be quite sad, in that way. And no wrap party, I imagine.

"But people make their own fun. We'll still have a laugh. You can still have a drink – people go to pubs – you just have to maintain your distance, and make sure you’re not spitting on people."