'Strictly' contestants hit with flu bug

'Strictly Come Dancing' contestants have been stricken by a flu bug.

Dani Harmer, Denise van Outen and Louis Smith are among those struggling to keep up with rehearsals while fighting off the virus.

Harmer - who is partnered by Vincent Simone - said: "I've come down with man-flu. I caught it off Vincent but we've all got it, everyone on 'Strictly'.

"It's crazy. My eyes are watering so much and I can't stop coughing which makes training difficult but I am still really enjoying the rehearsals."

On Monday, van Outen complained about the "stinking" illness.

I've got a stinking cold. GRRRRRRR!!

— Denise Van Outen ⚡️ (@denise_vanouten) September 24, 2012

Last week, Olympic gymnast Smith moaned: "Really don't wanna leave my house today feel ill."

Despite her illness, Harmer is enjoying preparing for the show, though she admits she is starting to get "nervous".

She said: "I am really nervous as it is slowly creeping up now. Vince is just the best partner you could have ever asked for.

"It's really good fun.

"I haven't lost weight yet because I'm eating all the time. If I carry on dancing and stop eating McDonald's all the time, I should lose the weight."