The finale of Dancing On Ice will now take place a week earlier than planned, ITV has announced.
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.”
It follows after contestants of the ITV show have faced numerous injuries and coronavirus diagnoses.
Most recently, Jason Donovan was forced to leave the contest after suffering from a continuing back injury.
ITV said in a recent statement: "Jason Donovan has brought us so much joy with his performances on Dancing On Ice – from Priscilla through to the tango. Our thanks go to Jason and Alex for being so wonderful and committed to the series. We’re sorry to see them leave and we wish Jason a speedy recovery."
Previously, reality TV star Billie Shepherd left the show early after injuring herself during a fall, while actress and singer Denise Van Outen withdrew after she partially dislocated her shoulder during training.
Rufus Hound and Joe-Warren Plant left the series after testing positive for coronavirus.
A source told the Sun that the unprecedented move has left everyone “absolutely gutted”.
“Everybody is absolutely gutted that it’s come to this.
“But ultimately, due to injuries and shooting the show during a pandemic, they’ve been left with no choice.
“They can’t compromise on the quality of the programme, so in order to keep it to the high standards that everyone expects, they’ve decided to trim the series by a show”.
The source added that it’s not a decision that ITV has taken lightly but they think is the right decision.
