Jason Donovan ’s Dancing On Ice partner Alexandra Schauman has paid a gushing tribute to the star following his exit from the ITV show.
Former Neighbours star Jason, 52, was forced to hang up his ice skates earlier than expected due to a back injury.
The theatre star took some time off the ice rink to recover from the injury - but ITV has since confirmed that he won't be returning to the show at all.
And now, Jason’s partner Alex has revealed that she is 'beyond gutted’ that their time together has ended.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, the professional skater shared a series of sweet snaps of the pair throughout their time on the show.
Alex admitted that when she first discovered that she would be dancing alongside Jason, she felt star-struck and honoured to be in his presence.
“Finding it hard to find the right words right now. What a true honor and privilege to have been partnered with Jason,” she began the emotional post.
“To say that I was star struck when we first met would be an understatement even though I played it cool and I think he didn’t notice. I told him later though.
“Beyond gutted that our time on the ice together has come to such an abrupt end when I feel like we had so much more to show you all.”
She went on: "Thank you so much for all your love and support, couldn’t have done it without you, and a huge thank you to everyone involved with the production of this fantastic show.
“It has been a tough year but I will always treasure these months on the ice knowing that we hopefully have brought some magic into people’s living rooms on Sunday night! I will continue to cheer everyone on and wishing my wonderful partner in crime a speedy recovery.”
Jason has become the seventh star to quit the skating competition this year, plunging the show's future into doubt.
ITV confirmed the news of Jason's departure in a statement, which read: "Our thanks go to Jason and his partner Alex for being so wonderful and committed to the series. We’re sorry to see them leave and we wish Jason a speedy recovery."
His early exit means that there are only five celebrities left in the competition - Rebekah Vardy, Lady Leshurr, Colin Jackson CBE, Sonny Jay, and Faye Brookes.
*Dancing On Ice airs Sundays at 6pm on ITV
