Nicola & Katya's Departure

It's been a weird week in Strictly world. And I'm not talking about Max & Dianne's Simpsons routine again!

We, sadly, had to say goodbye to Nicola & Katya. Katya tested positive for Covid-19 earlier in the week, which is an instant disqualification. Unfortunately because of their close contact, both have to isolate for 14 days, which means it wasn't possible for Nicola to be pared with anyone else.

I'm really sorry that we didn't get to see more of this pair for a couple of reasons. First, having the first same-sex pairing on Strictly was groundbreaking, and they hadn't really had the chance to challenge viewers' perceptions. I was looking forward to seeing them do an American smooth - something a little slower, and possibly more in hold than we've seen for a couple of weeks. Second, I just feel that there was more to see from Nicola. I think she had potential, but she just wasn't in the competition long enough to showcase it.

I know they will be back for the final, but I also hope Nicola gets another chance somewhere. Maybe in a Christmas special or something. Depending what happens with the Paralympics, a Sport Relief special with Will vs Nicola could be a good chance for both to have another go?

Reading the comments on the posts about Nicola & Katya's departure was interesting. A lot of people do not seem to understand that while the couples have formed household bubbles, they are not isolated or in quarantine. A bubble is just an extension of one household with another single-person household. Any of us can do this within the government guidelines. But we can still go to the shops or get take-out food and drink as permitted under lockdown rules.

I would recommend that anyone who doesn't understand how Strictly is complying with the guidelines reads the post on the BBC Strictly website.