Jason Donovan has QUIT Dancing On Ice 2021
He has pulled out due to medical issues
Last updated 22nd Feb 2021
Jason Donovan has unfortunately been forced to pull out of Dancing On Ice 2021 due to injury. The Aussie soap star and singer, who was partnered with Alexandra Schauman, has posted a video to his social pages to announce the sad news.
He said, "Guys, I am devastated to announce that due to this ongoing back issues that occurred on Dancing On Ice about 10 days ago, and at the advice of my medical team in the show that unfortunately I can't continue in the competition, and therefore have to withdraw. It's a nightmare and I'm completely gutted.
"We put so much work in to getting to this point, but I have to respect my health, and I have to respect my body moving forward. That is my biggest priority. I want to thank everyone at Dancing On Ice - Jane, Chris, the judges, Phil, Holly, the production team, the runners, and most importantly, within that, I want to thank the celebrities who've become friends, and also the pros, who just do such a great job."
He continued, "I want to thank the fans for voting for me - sometimes those costumes were colourful and sometimes those movements were slightly dubious but we tried, we went out there and gave it our best.
"Most importantly, I want to thank Alex, my dance partner who has been absolutely a beacon of support. She's believed in me when, at times, I didn't even believe in myself. She's been patient, and that time that we've spent together on the ice rehearsing and getting these routines together has just been... To me, what this whole experience has been about and that friendship that I have with her goes beyond the show itself.
"I want to wish everyone the best for the series. I will be sitting at home on Sunday night, and watching you all and cheering you all on. So in the meantime please stay safe. Stay healthy, and take care."
ITV said, "Jason Donovan has brought us so much joy with his performances on Dancing On Ice – from Priscilla through to the tango. Our thanks go to Jason and his partner Alex for being so wonderful and committed to the series. We’re sorry to see them leave and we wish Jason a speedy recovery."