Alex Murphy 'devastated' as she announces she's leaving Dancing On Ice
Her contract has not been renewed 💔
Last updated 24th Jun 2020
Dancing On Ice professional Alex Murphy has announced that she will be leaving the show after three years. The American figure skater, who joined the show for its revival in 2018, has taken to Instagram to announce that she has 'not been re-contracted' for the upcoming series.
The 31-year-old was paired with Michael Barrymore in the 2020 series and later won the show with Joe Swash after Michael and Joe's previous partner Alexandra Schauman both sustained injuries.
Alex has now taken to Instagram with a statement which reads, 'It is with a heavy heart that I release the following statement. For the last three years, Dancing On ice has not only been my job, but also what I considered to be my family. I am broken hearted to announce that I have recently been informed that I will not be re-contracted for Dancing On Ice 2021 series.
'This decision has come as a huge shock to me. I absolutely love the show and had hoped to go back for 2021. I have been left feeling bewildered, lost, and devastated. I am so grateful for the three years that I had on this incredible show and I will wholeheartedly miss everyone and everything about it.
'Though I am heartbroken, I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and although this hurts right now, I will pick myself up and look forward towards the future. Thank you so much to all my colleagues at DOl and most importantly the viewers for the constant support and love that you have shown me the last 3 years.
'It was an incredible part of my life and though it is ending sooner than I would have liked, I am so grateful for the memories.'
Fans have taken to the comments section in disbelief, with many leaving messages of consolation and shock over the news. One wrote, 'Whaaaattt???? You’re amazing!!! What a rubbish decision!!!! How can they take you off after you WON the show?!?'
Another added, 'Noooooo you were my favourite,' and one other commented, 'Oh nooooo it’s going to very boring without you, you brought so much energy and fun to the ice, good luck for the future where ever it will take you.' Other simply questioned why this was happening.
When approached for a comment, an ITV spokesperson told us, "Each series the Dancing On Ice team looks at our existing line up and explores opportunities to potentially introduce some new faces to the skating professional team. Alex Murphy will not be appearing in the next series and we wish her all the best for the future."
Scroll through to see all the winners of Dancing On Ice so far:
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.