Dancing On Ice: Brendan Cole paired with male skater Brendyn Hatfield

They are favourites to win this year's Dancing On Ice, but former Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole has been forced to change his professional partner for this weekend's upcoming show, as Vanessa Bauer has tested positive for Covid-19.

A Dancing On Ice spokesperson confirmed the news on Tuesday 15th February, saying: "Unfortunately, Vanessa Bauer is unable to skate this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19. We look forward to Vanessa returning to the competition soon.

"Brendan Cole will still perform in this Sunday's show and will be partnered with professional skater Brendyn Hatfield."

Vanessa said: "I’m disappointed that I have tested positive for Covid and won’t be able to perform with Brendan for Musicals Week. But I am excited that Brendan gets to skate and challenge himself with an incredible fellow pro and friend in Brendyn. I have no doubt they will absolutely smash this Sunday. I’m looking forward to returning to the competition to showcase more creative routines!”

Bosses have since confirmed that Brendan will perform with male skater Brendyn Hatfield for Sunday night's show, who was previously paired with S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens earlier in the competition.

Brendan Cole said: "I am absolutely gutted that Vanessa is unable to skate this weekend. I know she would have put together another fantastic routine. However, and with Vanessa’s blessing I’ve been given an amazing opportunity to create something fantastic for Musicals Week with Brendyn. He's an exceptionally talented skater and I have no doubt we will be able to create something really special for the show! I can’t thank him enough for stepping in."

Brendyn Hatfield then added: "I'm thrilled that Brendan asked if I would skate with him this weekend - what an honour! Vanessa is a brilliant choreographer and I've loved watching her and Brendan skate each week. I'm looking forward to putting together an exciting routine for this Sunday's show which I'm hoping will impress both the judges and viewers!"

As well as many fans wishing Vanessa a speedy recovery, many were also hyped to see an all male couple return to the show, after Ian 'H' Watkins was paired with Matt Evers back in 2020.

One fan said: 'Look forward to seeing @brendancoleinsta & @brendynhatfield skate great partnership I'm sure. Get well soon @vanessabauer_skates x', with another adding: 'So sorry to hear about @vanessabauer_skates (get well soon!), but what a fantastic pairing for Brendan and Brendyn.' (sic)

Check out all of the this year's Dancing On Ice stars below:

Vanessa is set to return to the competition if Brendan is successful in getting through to next week's show, after she's made a full recovery from Covid-19.

Dancing On Ice continues every Sunday night on ITV.

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• Dancing On Ice
• Brendan Cole
• vanessa bauer