Dancing On Ice: A recap of the 2021 series
The show aired earlier this year
Last updated 4th Oct 2021
After the success of Dancing On Ice in 2020, which saw Joe Swash be crowned the winner ahead of Perri Kiely, ITV bosses did everything in their power this year to ensure the popular show, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, would go ahead despite the UK being in lockdown at the time due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Following the announcement of 12 famous faces being revealed for the 2021 series, including Denise Van Outen, Rebekah Vardy and Jason Donovan, Dancing On Ice 2021 launched on Sunday 17th January.
However, the show was temporarily postponed for one week in February, meaning there was no live show on Sunday 21st February. After both injuries and positive Covid-19 tests forced a number of celebs to quit, the final of Dancing On Ice 2021 was brought forward to Sunday 14th March, with Sonny Jay being crowned the winner.
Who won Dancing On Ice 2021?
Sonny Jay and his professional partner Angela Egan were crowned the 2021 winners of Dancing On Ice, after beating both Colin Jackson and Faye Brookes.
When was the Dancing On Ice 2021 final?
Although the 2021 final of Dancing On Ice was originally scheduled for Sunday 21st March, ITV bosses have now confirmed the show had been cut short, with the final taking place on Sunday 14th March.
An ITV spokesperson said, "ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week. The competition’s final will now take place on Sunday 14th March.
"Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times. Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.”
Has Dancing On Ice been cancelled?
Not quite! Despite Rufus Hound and Joe-Warren Plant being forced to quit the show after testing positive for Covid-19, and a number of celebs having to quit due to injury (Denise van Outen and Billie Faiers), the series is still going on.
However, on Monday 15th February ITV bosses released a statement confirming the live show on Sunday 23rd February would NOT be going ahead.
ITV said in a statement, 'ITV have taken the decision to pause Dancing on Ice this week and there will be no live show on Sunday 21st February. Each week our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.
'The welfare of all of those involved is important to us and we felt it prudent to take a week’s break at this juncture. Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is of paramount importance to us and we look forward to resuming the competition next week, with the show back live on Sunday 28th February ⛸ #DancingOnIce'. (sic)
Which celebs took part in Dancing On Ice 2021?
12 celebrities were announced for the 2021 series, including actors, comedians, presenters and even Olympic athletes. Check out the full Dancing On Ice line-up below:
Faye Brookes
Denise van Outen - Pulled out of the show due to injury
Sonny Jay
Jason Donovan
Joe-Warren Plant - Pulled out of the show due to COVID-19
Colin Jackson CBE
Myleene Klass
Graham Bell
Rebekah Vardy
Lady Leshurr
Amy Tinkler
Billie Faiers - Pulled out of the show due to injury
Rufus Hound - Pulled out of the show due to COVID-19
When did Dancing On Ice 2021 start?
Dancing On Ice 2021 first started on Sunday 17th January.
The official Dancing On Ice Instagram posted a video showing off the 12 celebrities who will be taking part in next year's series with Michael Bublé singing 'Feeling Good' underneath, revealing that the show will officially start on Sunday 17th January 2021! They wrote, 'Sequins at the ready! The greatest show on ice is back on January 17th 🎉.'
Who was eliminated on Dancing On Ice 2021?
Week One: No elimination
Week Two: Myleene Klass
Week Three: Graham Bell
Week Four: Matt Richardson
Week Five: Amy Tinkler
Week Six: Rebekah Vardy
Week Seven: Lady Leshurr
Final: Colin Jackson
Final: Faye Brookes
Winner: Sonny Jay
Who quit Dancing On Ice in 2021?
The 2021 series of Dancing On Ice was plagued with injuries, to both the professionals and the celebrities.
Both Denise van Outen (shoulder) and Billie Faiers (head) were forced to quit the show due to injuries, whilst Rufus Hound and Joe-Warren Plant were made to leave the competition after testing positive for Covid-19.
The last celeb to quit was Jason Donovan after suffering from ongoing back problems.
Denise van Outen - Shoulder injury
TV personality Denise van Outen was forced to quit the show after dislocating her shoulder in rehearsals. Despite managing to still perform in Week One, Denise was later forced to leave the show following a number of scans.
She broke the news on social media, telling her fans, ''GUTTED! If you've been watching dancingonice you will be aware that just over a week ago I had a nasty fall and injured my shoulder.
'I managed to skate my first dance with themattevers on the live show through a gritted smile because the pain was unbearable. I've tried as hard as I can to carry on because I love the show and the amazing team in front and behind the cameras. Initially we thought with rest I could make a return to the ice, but a recent MRI scan has shown that I have 3 bone fractures as well as a partial dislocation. OUCH! No wonder I've been in agony.
'themattevers has been the most incredible support and skate partner (a true friend) and I'm so grateful for his expertise in teaching me the basics. I just wish I was well enough to learn all the fabulous tricks my injury won't allow me to do. Chair dancing on Ice with a massive pie won't get us points on the leaderboard 😂.
'I'm actually proud of what I've achieved ( not much, lowest scores so far 😂) . If you don't mind I'm going to give myself a couple of points for bravery for doing cartwheels on Ice at 46 with broken bones 👍🏻😂❄️. I wish all the celebs, pros and judges the best of luck for the rest of the series. I'm rooting for you all. Bunch of legends ⛸ #dancingonice2021.' (sic)
Rufus Hound - Covid-19
After missing a week due to self-isolating, comedian Rufus Hound was later forced to quit the show after testing positive for Covid-19.
Rufus told his fans on Twitter, '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 then 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."
Billie Faiers - Head injury
Former TOWIE star Billie Faiers also quit the show due to injury! The mum-of-two slipped and hit her head off the ice, meaning she only performed once.
Taking to her Instagram page on Sunday 7th February, Billie told her fans, 'Our first and last dance 💔⛸ I am so so sad that our @dancingonice journey has come to an end after an accident in rehearsals on Friday causing me a head injury, forcing us out of the competition 😔.
'@markhanretty A true friend for life, you have been the most incredible partner throughout all of this, I mean you taught me to skate for one 😆 thank you for being so kind, supportive, patient, understanding, and thank you for being such a happy, positive person when I needed it the most 💔 it's been a tough couple of weeks personally for me and coming back to skating this week has really been a great distraction❤️ I am so so gutted we can't perform tonight, we worked so so hard on this week's routine 😔 However, although it has sadly been cut short , being part of @dancingonice has been the best experience, I have met some wonderful people and I actually feel quite proud of myself that I pushed myself so far out of my comfort zone and faced some of my biggest fears 🥰
'I'm going to miss being part of this incredible show so much 💔 I wish all of the rest of cast so much luck and I will be cheering you all on every Sunday, you are all amazing !!! 🌟✨ 🙌🏻👏🏼⛸🎉❤️
'Thank you to everyone for your kind messages and support throughout all of this ❤️ It means so much to me and I am so grateful ❤️'. (sic)
Joe-Warren Plant - Covid-19
Following Rufus Hound's positive Covid-19 test, Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant was the second celeb to contract the virus.
In a statement released by the actor, Joe-Warren said, "Having tested positive for Covid this now means the end of the competition for Vanessa and I.
"I have loved every minute of being a part of Dancing On Ice and I am disappointed as I feel I had so much more to give and was working hard to perfect each performance. Thank you so much to Vanessa for being a fantastic teacher and although its been cut short, I've thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Thank you to all the crew who have been brilliant and especially thanks to the other cast members, they have been hugely supportive and I wish them all the very best."
Jason Donovan - Back injury
Actor and singer Jason Donovan is the latest celeb to quit the 2021 series, following an on-going back injury.
Posting a video to his socials to announce the news, Jason said, "Guys, I am devastated to announce that due to this ongoing back issues that occurred on Dancing On Ice about 10 days ago, and at the advice of my medical team in the show that unfortunately I can't continue in the competition, and therefore have to withdraw. It's a nightmare and I'm completely gutted.
"We put so much work in to getting to this point, but I have to respect my health, and I have to respect my body moving forward. That is my biggest priority. I want to thank everyone at Dancing On Ice - Jane, Chris, the judges, Phil, Holly, the production team, the runners, and most importantly, within that, I want to thank the celebrities who've become friends, and also the pros, who just do such a great job."
He continued, "I want to thank the fans for voting for me - sometimes those costumes were colourful and sometimes those movements were slightly dubious but we tried, we went out there and gave it our best.
"Most importantly, I want to thank Alex, my dance partner who has been absolutely a beacon of support. She's believed in me when, at times, I didn't even believe in myself. She's been patient, and that time that we've spent together on the ice rehearsing and getting these routines together has just been... To me, what this whole experience has been about and that friendship that I have with her goes beyond the show itself.
"I want to wish everyone the best for the series. I will be sitting at home on Sunday night, and watching you all and cheering you all on. So in the meantime please stay safe. Stay healthy, and take care."
Yebin Mok
It's not just the celebs who've been forced to leave the show, a number of professional skaters have also picked up nasty injuries.
Ahead of the first live show, Graham Bell's pro skater Yebin Mok was rushed to hospital following a freak accident where she was 'stabbed' by the blade on her skate, giving her an injury so severe that it 'exposed her tendons'.
Yebin was replaced on the show by Robin Johnstone.
Hamish Gaman
Faye Brookes' pro partner Hamish Gaman was also forced to quit the show following a nasty hand injury he picked up in rehearsals.
An ITV spokesperson said, "Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition. We thank him for all his hard work and wish him the very best as he takes some time out to allow his injury to fully heal."
Hamish was replaced on the show by Matt Evers.
Did Denise van Outen quit Dancing On Ice?
Unfortunately yes.
Despite being able to perform in Week One after dislocating her shoulder just days before, on Tuesday 26th January, Denise released a statement admitting she's been forced to pull out of the show after getting the results of a scan.
Writing on Instagram, she wrote, 'GUTTED! If you’ve been watching dancingonice you will be aware that just over a week ago I had a nasty fall and injured my shoulder.
'I managed to skate my first dance with themattevers on the live show through a gritted smile because the pain was unbearable. I’ve tried as hard as I can to carry on because I love the show and the amazing team in front and behind the cameras. Initially we thought with rest I could make a return to the ice, but a recent MRI scan has shown that I have 3 bone fractures as well as a partial dislocation. OUCH! No wonder I’ve been in agony.'
Did Billie Faiers quit Dancing On Ice?
Denise van Outen wasn't the only celeb to have to quit the show this year, The Mummy Diaries star Billie Faiers was also forced to leave due to injury.
Taking to her Instagram page on Sunday 7th February, Billie told her fans, 'Our first and last dance 💔⛸ I am so so sad that our @dancingonice journey has come to an end after an accident in rehearsals on Friday causing me a head injury, forcing us out of the competition 😔.
'@markhanretty A true friend for life, you have been the most incredible partner throughout all of this, I mean you taught me to skate for one 😆 thank you for being so kind, supportive, patient, understanding, and thank you for being such a happy, positive person when I needed it the most 💔 it’s been a tough couple of weeks personally for me and coming back to skating this week has really been a great distraction❤️ I am so so gutted we can’t perform tonight, we worked so so hard on this week’s routine 😔 However, although it has sadly been cut short , being part of @dancingonice has been the best experience, I have met some wonderful people and I actually feel quite proud of myself that I pushed myself so far out of my comfort zone and faced some of my biggest fears 🥰
'I’m going to miss being part of this incredible show so much 💔 I wish all of the rest of cast so much luck and I will be cheering you all on every Sunday, you are all amazing !!! 🌟✨ 🙌🏻👏🏼⛸🎉❤️
'Thank you to everyone for your kind messages and support throughout all of this ❤️ It means so much to me and I am so grateful ❤️'. (sic)
Did Dancing On Ice still happen during lockdown?
Despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing England would be back in lockdown in January, ITV bosses have made a made a monumental effort to make sure the 13th series goes ahead.
A source told the Daily Mirror, "We have stringent protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of all our contributors and staff which are routinely monitored and updated to reflect the current guidelines."
Which professional skaters were on Dancing On Ice 2021?
Following the shock news that 2020 winner Alex Murphy and Brianne Delcourt have left the show, bosses unveiled some brand new pro skaters for the 2021 series in October.
Dancing On Ice veteran Matt Evers returned, alongside last year's professionals, Alexandra Schauman, Lukasz Rozycki, Mark Hanretty, Hamish Gaman, Brendyn Hatfield and Vanessa Bauer.
Former DOI pros Andy Buchanan and his wife Robin Johnstone also made a return to the programme, with five brand new faces, including Angela Egan, Klabera Komini, Yebin Mok, Karina Manta and Joe Johnson.
Check out all of the 2021 pairings:
Jason Donovan and Alexandra Schauman
Lady Leshurr and Brendyn Hatfield
Rufus Hound and Robin Johnstone
Colin Jackson CBE and Klabera Komini
Billie Shepherd and Mark Hanretty
Sonny Jay and Angela Egan
Denise Van Outen and Matt Evers
Mykleene Klass and Lukasz Różycki
Joe-Warren Plant and Vanessa Bauer
Rebekah Vardy and Andy Buchanan
Faye Brookes and Hamish Gaman
Graham Bell and Yebin Mok
What channel was Dancing On Ice 2021 on?
Dancing On Ice aired on ITV.
Who hosted Dancing On Ice 2021?
Lovable hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield fronted the 2021 series.
Who was on the Dancing On Ice judging panel in 2021?
The legendary Torvill and Dean were back on the judging panel for Dancing On Ice 2021. Just like the 2018, 2019 and 2020 series, the ice skating champions were head judges on the show.
Diversity founder and all-round amazing dancer Ashley Banjo was also be back on the panel, alongside John Barrowman.
Dancing On Ice will return to ITV in January 2022.
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