Rufus Hound WILL return to Dancing On Ice
He was forced to quit the show after testing positive for Covid-19
Comedian Rufus Hound was left disappointed earlier this week when he was forced to quit this year's Dancing On Ice after testing positive for Covid-19, with stand-in celeb Matt Richardson taking his place.
However, Rufus' professional skating partner Robin Johnstone has now posted a lengthy statement online, revealing the pair will return to the competition later in the series for one final performance.
As she self-isolates following Rufus' positive test, Robin wrote on Instagram, 'I just want to thank everyone who was supporting Rufus and I this year unfortunately you can not predict what may happen in these crazy times and I’m very sorry Rufus and I can’t continue with @dancingonice.
'I’m very proud of everything he’s learned and thank you for our fun laughs on the ice. I’m disappointed we couldn’t perform this weeks fun number we had! Rufus I’m so glad you are doing well and thank you to everyone at @itv for keeping everyone safe we are ever grateful to have this opportunity to bring smiles and fun to everyone.
'Looking forward to joining the pros in a few weeks to skate some fabulous numbers and come back for one last skate and spin with Rufus in the final. Xo ❤️⛸'. (sic)
Rufus, who impressed the judges and received the Golden Ticket in Week One of the show, revealed his departure earlier this week, taking to Twitter to explain he's tested positive after missing last weekend's show to self-isolate.
The 41-year-old wrote online, '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)
An ITV spokesperson later said, "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.”
Check out all of the celebs who've found love on Dancing On Ice:
Kevin Kilbane and Brianne Delcourt: Engaged
After meeting on the 2020 series, former footballer Kevin Kilbane and Canadian skater Brianne Delcourt confirmed they were dating in January, before Kevin popped the question in early February.
Although the pair had only known each other for three months, Kevin moved in with Brianne and her three-year-old daughter and the pair got married in 2020.
In February 2021, Kevin and Brianne welcomed their first child together, a baby girl called Olivia Mae. The couple then announced they were expecting their second child in November 2021, with Brianna giving birth in 2022.
Samia Ghadie and Sylvain Longchambon: Married
Coronation Street actress Samia Ghadie fell in love with French skater Sylvain Longchambon when she appeared on the show in 2013.
Samia and Sylvain went on to welcome a baby boy called Yves in 2015, before getting married one year later in 2016. Samia often supports her husband during the show!
Jennifer Metcalfe and Sylvain Longchambon: Split
Before settling down with Samia, Sylvain also dated Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Metcalfe, with the pair dating for two years after meeting on the show.
David Seaman and Frankie Poultney: Married
After former England goalkeeper David Seaman appeared on Dancing On Ice back in 2008, he was partner with ice-skater Frankie Poultney and the rest is history!
David went on to propose to Frankie back in 2013, with the couple getting married two years later in 2015. They are still together to this day and often attend events together.
Christopher Dean and Karen Barber: Dating
Although they are not contestants, ice-skating legend Christopher Dean is in a relationship with Dancing On Ice coach Karen Barber.
After splitting from his ex-wife Jill Trenary in 2010, Christopher went on to date Karen in 2011, and the pair are happier than ever!
Brianne Delcourt and Matt Lapinskas: Split
Before finding 'the one' in Kevin Kilbane, Brianne also found love on the ice rink with former EastEnders actor Matt Lapinskas.
Brianne also briefly dated contestants Sam Attwater and Danny Young.
Despite dating in 2014, Brianne dumped the actor after he reportedly cheated on her with two other women.
Comedian and TV presenter Matt Richardson will take Rufus' place on the show, but don't panic, he's been in training since October 2020 in preparation!
Speaking on Friday's (5th February) episode of Lorraine, Matt said, “I was nearly at the end of my being a stand-in, and I had gotten ready to finish so it is a bit of a surprise. I have done exactly the same amount of training as everyone else, I was just doing it off-camera and not doing the show on a Sunday so I started in October, five days a week since then.”
Dancing On Ice continues every Sunday evening at 6pm.
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