Rufus Hound forced to QUIT Dancing On Ice after testing positive for COVID-19
His replacement has been announced
After missing the live show last weekend to self-isolate, comedian Rufus Hound has now been forced to quit this year's Dancing On Ice after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Rufus, who received the Golden Ticket following his routine in Week One, broke the news on Twitter last night (Wednesday 3rd February), telling his followers, 'I will no longer be participating in @dancingonice. COVID is - as I'm sure we're all well aware - a b-----d and sadly the world isn't short of those'. (sic)
ITV have now released their own statement, with a spokesperson saying, “We can confirm that following a positive test result, Rufus Hound is unable to return to Dancing On Ice this weekend. Although Rufus and his partner Robin’s time on the ice has been all too brief, they can be truly proud of their achievements. We thank them for all their hard work and commitment to the show.”
Although it may seem harsh that Rufus can't re-join the show after his isolation period, ITV's rules state that anybody who tests positive for COVID-19 must withdraw, just like Nicola Adams had to on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing last year.
Following Rufus' departure from the show, stand-in celebrity and comedian Matt Richardson will take his place alongside professional skater Vicky Ogden.
The news of Matt joining the show was confirmed on Instagram this morning (Thursday 4th January), with bosses writing, 'With the departure of Rufus Hound and Robin Johnstone, comedian @mattrichardson3 and his pro-skater partner @vickyogden will be joining the line up from this weekend ⛸ #DancingOnIce'. (sic)
Matt then said, 'Very excited to be stepping into @dancingonice with @vickyogden - can’t wait to get out there and try and keep up!' (sic)
Despite bosses doing everything in their power to ensure the popular show could still go ahead during the pandemic, the series, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, has had a few hiccups to say the least.
Denise van Outen was forced to quit the show last month after dislocating her shoulder in training, and reality star Billie Faiers was given a week off from performing following the sad passing of her grandma last week.
Check out all of the past Dancing On Ice winners below:
Gaynor Faye - 2006
Emmerdale actress Gaynor Faye won the first ever series of Dancing On Ice alongside her professional ice skating partner Daniel Whiston, under the watchful eye of judges Robin Cousins, Karen Barber, Nicky Slater, Jason Gardiner and Karen Kresge.
Kyran Bracken - 2007
Rugby player Kyran Bracken won the show - and the hearts of viewers - in the second series. Beating Clare Buckfield in the final showdown, Kyran won with his professional partner Melanie Lambert.
Suzanne Shaw - 2008
Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw won the 2008 series with professional ice skater Matt Evers. Both of their final performances scored a perfect 30/30, which was the first time that had happened on the show, beating runner-up Chris Fountain.
Ray Quinn - 2009 & 2014
X Factor star-turned-Broadway star Ray Quinn won the show in 2009 alongside his professional partner Maria Filippov. The couple beat journalist Donal MacIntyre and his partner Florentine Houdinière with their final performance. He also won the returners' series in 2014.
Hayley Tamaddon - 2010
Corrie and** Emmerdale actress Hayley won with second-time winner Daniel Whiston, beating Hollyoaks star Gary Lucy to the top spot. She also made it to the final of the returners' show in 2014, finishing second to Ray Quinn.
Sam Attwater - 2011
EastEnders actor Sam Attwater won the coveted prize of first place in 2011 wth his partner Brianne Delcourt, beating TV presenter Laura Hamilton. The pair also returned for the 2014 series, but finished fourth.
Matthew Wolfenden - 2012
Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden won the 2012 series with his professional ice skating partner Nina Ulanova, beating fellow soap star Jorgie Porter to the top. This was also the year that Louie Spence joined the judging panel, if you remember...
Beth Tweddle - 2013
Olympic champion gymnast Beth Tweddle won the 2013 series alongside her partner Daniel Whiston in his THIRD win on the show. She beat EastEnders actor Matt Lapinskas and his partner Brianne Delcourt, and came third in the 2014 returners' series with Łukasz Różycki.
Jake Quickenden - 2018
Former The X Factor star Jake Quickenden was the clear winner for the revived series of Dancing On Ice in 2018, winning the show with his partner Vanessa Bauer.
James Jordan - 2019
Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan swapped the ballroom for the ice in 2019, and he showed off his amazing moves alongside skating partner Alexandra Schauman.
James beat Love Island star Wes Nelson and former X Factor contestant Saara Aalto in the final.
Joe Swash - 2020
Perhaps the most surprising result in Dancing On Ice history! Joe Swash and his pro partner Alex Murphy were crowned the 2020 winners beating Diversity star Perri Kiely in the final.
Sonny Jay - 2021
After the most chaotic series in Dancing On Ice history, which saw five celebs have to quit the show, Sonny Jay was crowned the winner ahead of Colin Jackson and Corrie actress Faye Brookes.
Regan Gascoigne - 2022
Paul Gascoigne's son Regan Gascoigne was crowned the 2022 winner of Dancing On Ice, in perhaps the most competitive final in history! Regan and his pro partner Karina Manta were up against Brendan Cole and Kimberley Wyatt in the final.
Nile Wilson - 2023
After a tense final alongside Joey Essex and The Vivienne in March 2023, gymnast Nile Wilson was crowned the 2023 winner with his professional partner Olivia Smart.
Ryan Thomas - 2024
Former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas and his partner Amani Fancy were crowned the winners of series 16 during the final on Sunday 10th March 2024. Ryan received the most public votes during a tense final with Miles Nazaire and Vanessa Bauer and Adele Roberts and Mark Hanretty.
Dancing On Ice continues every Sunday night on ITV at 6pm.
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Dancing On Ice 2020: Everything we know about the series so far