'Strictly' star Ali 'in swine flu scare'

Strictly Come Dancing star Ali Bastian has been caught up in a swine flu scare, according to a report.

The actress woke up with flu-like symptoms yesterday and is now taking regular doses of medication, The Sun claims.

It is thought that while Bastian currently wishes to continue with her commitment to Saturday's Strictly round, show bosses are willing to let her skip a week if necessary.

The star's professional dance partner Brian Fortuna is also said to have been ill recently. Bastian has reportedly joked to friends that she has simply caught "man-flu" from him.

A source said: "We were petrified Ali had caught swine flu, but she has been downplaying it. She made it to her rehearsal but she fears it getting worse.

"She is due to perform the American smooth with her very own smooth American, Brian, and she really wants to put in a good show."

The development is a new blow for the couple after they scored their worst marks of the series last weekend. Saturday's show saw Len Goodman and his fellow judges criticising the pair for making mistakes in their jive.