Dancing On Ice pro forced apart from wife of 13 years due to strict show rules

Rebekah Vardy's Dancing On Ice partner Andy Buchanan has formed a bubble with the star to compete on the show, which launched on Sunday.

In order for the pros and celebrities to take part, they have had to follow strict coronavirus guidelines, as the country remains in lockdown.

Filming is a little different this year with social distancing in place, meaning only the celebrities and their partners can be close together - and they can't be be too close to anyone else on the show.

The pros and celebrities have had to form bubbles to make sure they're not interacting with anyone else, with many staying in hotels or moving in with their partners.

Skater Andy has had to isolate away from his loved ones in order to skate with Rebekah, while she is thought to be allowed to remain at home with husband Jamie Vardy and their children as Andy is now part of their support bubble.

Rebekah Vardy's Dancing On Ice partner Andy Buchanan has formed a bubble with the star (ITV)

Other professionals including Andy's wife Robin Johnstone, who is partnered with Rufus Hound, and even some celebrities have had to do the same.

Speaking on Loose Women on Tuesday, Andy revealed he wasn't even allowed to hug his co-star and wife of 13 years, as he discussed the changes to the show.

Similarly to Strictly Come Dancing, the bubbles must stay in place for the duration of the show - and it's rules like the bubbles that have allowed the live series to go ahead.

Andy Buchanan has been married to fellow Dancing On Ice pro Robin Johnstone for 13 years (ITV)

He explained on the show: "The thing I love about the show is the other people you get to work with.

"You can still see them form a distance, but it is not same the vibe. You come in and it's a little more focused.

"I'm just glad I have a partner who I really like. We have fun every day. If I was stuck with someone who was a nightmare, come on!"

Andy's wife Robin Johnstone is partnered with Rufus Hound (Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

He went on: "I can't even hug my wife because [me and Rebekah are] in a bubble together and Robin is in a bubble with Rufus.

"We go on walks together outside at a distance but no, this is my support bubble right here."

Rebekah admitted the show guidelines were really strict, with the crew and ITV taking measures to ensure the safety of all of those involved.

Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV.