Michael Barrymore QUITS Dancing On Ice after serious injury
His replacement has been confirmed
Last updated 18th Dec 2019
Dancing On Ice 2020 contestant Michael Barrymore has announced that he's been forced to QUIT the show next year after sustaining a serious injury. Having been partnered with Dancing On Ice legend Alex Murphy, Michael has taken to Instagram to announce the sad news after breaking his wrist.
He wrote, 'Took a nasty fall on the ice last Friday during rehearsals and sadly broke my left wrist. Absolutely devastated to hear that I can’t go on back on the ice for a while. Really enjoyed every single moment of being part of the terrific show and working with all the incredibly talented people involved.'
He also confirmed the news on This Morning, saying, "Unfortunately the medics have told me I can’t compete. I have loved every second of the journey so far. The support from the public has been overwhelming."
ITV have released a statement to confirm that former Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya will take his place and be partnered with Jessica Hatfield, 'Owing to an injury sustained in training, Michael Barrymore has had to withdraw from the competition.
'Michael has been a fantastic addition to the Dancing on Ice family and we wish him all the best. Presenter Radzi Chinyanganya will take his place, and will be partnered with professional skater Jessica Hatfield.'
Fans have been left devastated that Michael will no longer be taking part in the show, writing messages of condolence in the comments section of his post. One wrote, '#gutted I was really looking forward to seeing you back where you belong, on TV. Hope to see you back soon though 💙.'
Another added, '💔💔 hope you’re okay tho, have a speedy recovery,' and one other wrote, 'Gutted. You're the only reason I was going to watch the show. Hope you have a lovely Christmas and a speedy recovery x', as one other commented, 'So disappointed for you Michael. Had just applied for tickets and were hoping to see you again after so long. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Much love as always.'
Scroll through to see which celebrities will be on Dancing On Ice 2020:
Dancing On Ice 2020: Meet the cast
Perri Kiely
Diversity dancer Perri Kiely reunited with his dance-mate Ashely Banjo for Dancing On Ice 2020! He said, "I'm not going to lie, I'm a little bit nervous. I've had a couple of training sessions so far and I'm not going to lie, it's hard. I can stand up on ice and skate about a bit, but technique, it's difficult!"
Of normally being the one to get thrown into the air, Perri said, "Role reversal! I'm pretty sure my job title was to get thrown about. I would love to back flip on ice, imagine how sick that would be! But I said I was going to get on the ice and spin and flip and do this, but I turned up to that first training session and I just wanted to put one foot in front of the other and make sure I don't fall over."
Perri Kiely is paired with Vanessa Bauer
Libby Clegg MBE
Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg was the eighth confirmed contestant on Dancing On Ice! Confirming the news on Victoria Derbyshire, she said, "After Rio I achieved my ultimate goal and then I thought 'what else can I do?' This opportunity came about and I couldn't pass it up. I love challenging myself and experiencing new things."
Libby Clegg is paired with Mark Hanretty
Joe Swash
Former soap star and King of the Jungle Joe Swash was the ninth celeb to be announced for Dancing On Ice! Confirming the news on Loose Women, Joe said, "I can't even dance on a dance floor so Dancing on Ice is just a silly idea! I've done no exercise since the baby was born. Stacey thinks it's funny. I'm going to learn how to skate and I'll do it with a smile on my face."
Joe Swash is paired with Alexandra Schauman
Although Joe was originally paired with Alexandra Schauman, a nasty injury meant she could no longer continue, meaning Alex Murphy stepped in!
Trisha Goddard
Queen of Daytime TV Trisha Goddard was the first celeb to leave the show! After falling over in her routine, Trisha lost out i the skate-off to newsreader Lucrezia Millarini.
Trisha Goddard is paired with Łukasz Różycki
Lucrezia Millarini
ITV News presenter Lucrezia Millarini was eliminated from the show in Week 3, losing out in the skate-off to former footballer Kevin Kilbane.
Lucrezia Millarini is paired with Brendyn Hatfield
Radzi Chinyanganya
TV presenter Radzi Chinyanganya was drafted in as Michael Barrymore's replacement, but he failed to impress viewers and was eliminated from the show in week 4.
Radzi Chinyanganya is paired with Jessica Hatfield
Kevin Kilbane
Former footballer Kevin Kilbane lost his place on the show in Week 5! But it isn't all bad news... Kevin confirmed he is now dating his skating partner Brianne Delcourt after they met on the show!
Kevin Kilbane is paired with Brianne Delcourt
Caprice
Caprice chose to quit the show in Week 5 after previously parting ways with her partner Hamash Gaman.
Caprice is paired with Hamish Gaman
Ian 'H' Watkins
Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins and his professional partner Matt Evers were eliminated from the competition in Week 6, following a skate-off with comedian Ben Hanlin.
Ian 'H' Watkins is paired with Matt Evers
Maura Higgins
Love Island star Maura Higgins left the competition in Week 7 after losing out in the skate-off to Libby Clegg.
Maura Higgins is paired with Alexander Demetriou
Lisa George
Coronation Street actress Lisa George lost her place on the show in Week 8, losing out in the skate-off to Libby Clegg.
Lisa George is paired with Tom Naylor
Ben Hanlin is paired with Carlotta Edwards
Ben Hamlin
Magician Ben Hanlin lost his place on the show in the semi-final, losing out in the skate-off to Libby Clegg.
Michael had been keeping his fans updated on his Dancing On Ice journey, sharing many photos with his skating partner Alex Murphy.
We wish Michael a speedy recovery!