The loss of top stars will not mean curtains for Strictly Come Dancing, according to show pro Karen Hauer.
The world mambo champ is optimistic about Strictly but concerned about the possible impact of coronavirus.
Karen spoke out after dancer AJ Pritchard followed her ex-husband, Kevin Clifton, and quit the show.
But the 37-year-old, who’s been chasing the Glitterball since 2012, said: “When anybody leaves the show, it’s a shock and it is sad.”
Karen’s three-year marriage to Kevin ended in 2018 but she is still on good terms with her ex, who is dating his former celeb partner and TV host Stacey Dooley.
She said: “We all keep in contact. The nice thing about having that Strictly family is that we all care for one another and watch out for one another’s wellbeing.
"There’s no need to hold any grudges – it’s only going to stress you out and bring more anxiety to your body.
“We all worked together during Strictly and the tour, and Stacey’s fantastic. I really admire her.”
Venezuelan Karen is also hoping Strictly’s return this autumn is not ruined by the bug.
She said: “I can’t wait for Strictly to bring that magic that everybody loves.”
During the nationwide lockdown, Karen has teamed up with fellow dance pro and close pal Oti Mabuse to launch Home Festival – a “free-to-access online space with fun for all ages”.
The pair, along with Oti’s husband Marius Iepure, have created a timetable of activities to get people moving.
Karen, who is holed up with her opera singer partner David Webb, said: “I have taught him the Charleston and he has a good wiggle.”
Live activities can be viewed on the dancers’ Instagram accounts, @karenhauer, @otimabuse, @mariusiepure and @davidpwebb.
They will then be posted on the stars’ YouTube channels.