ITV has confirmed Dancing On Ice 2021 will go ahead despite the latest coronavirus lockdown.
It comes after an anonymous source reportedly told The Sun that this year's cast fear the series will not go, ahead after the UK was plunged into its third lockdown at the start of the year.
However a spokesperson for the programme has set the records straight, telling The 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."
The source revealed to The Sun that "everyone is worried" about how the show will go ahead as celebrities were "unable to practice" and it has reportedly been a "scramble".
But the spokesperson revealed it will go ahead as normal, downplaying said fears.
This year's star-studded line-up includes Rebekah Vardy, Billie Faiers and Jason Donovan and they seem more excited than ever to take to the rink.
Show bosses are said to have brought in more "mental support" this year in the wake of Caroline Flack's death, according to Matt Evers.
The pro skater, 44, is currently training with his dance partner Denise Van Outen, who he has moved in with to create a bubble.
Speaking about losing “part of the ITV family” in Caroline’s death in February, which followed the deaths of two former Love Island contestants, he said: “Now more than ever we have a lot of support.
“We’ve always had a little bit of support, but through the tragedies that have happened, they have implemented a lot more mental support.”
The professional ice skater says the pros become a “best friend, babysitter and psychologist” as well as an ice coach to their partners and their families.
Recalling former partner Denise Welch, his partner in 2011, he admits: "I was also the drink police because she loved to go out."
Matt, who is still friends with Denise, added: "She is sober now. Dancing on Ice changed her life."
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