Dancing On Ice star Brendan Cole requested a male professional skater after his partner Vanessa Bauer was struck down with Covid.
It was announced on Tuesday that Vanessa would sadly have to miss out on Musicals Week this Sunday, after testing positive.
“Unfortunately, Vanessa Bauer is unable to skate this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19. We look forward to Vanessa returning to the competition soon,” a spokesperson for the ITV show confirmed.
But former Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan will still take to the ice, after asking to be partnered with a male professional.
“Brendan Cole will still perform in this Sunday's show and will be partnered with professional skater Brendyn Hatfield,” the statement added.
While Brendan, 45, is “absolutely gutted” Vanessa is unable to skate this weekend, he’s looking forward to delivering an impressive routine with Brendyn for Musicals Week, as they will dance to Beggin' by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons from the hit show Jersey Boys.
“However, and with Vanessa’s blessing I’ve been given an amazing opportunity to create something fantastic for Musicals Week with Brendyn,” he said.
“He's an exceptionally talented skater and I have no doubt we will be able to create something really special for the show! I can’t thank him enough for stepping in."
Brendyn, who was previously partnered with S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens, said he was “thrilled” Brendan had asked for him personally to be Vanessa’s temporary replacement, and was honoured to be stepping up and performing with the New Zealand-born dancer.
“I'm looking forward to putting together an exciting routine for this Sunday's show which I'm hoping will impress both the judges and viewers!"
Meanwhile, Vanessa is “disappointed” to be watching the performance from home after testing positive, but she’s confident the duo will deliver an incredible routine.
“I am excited that Brendan gets to skate and challenge himself with an incredible fellow pro and friend in Brendyn,” she said.
“I have no doubt they will absolutely smash this Sunday. I’m looking forward to returning to the competition to showcase more creative routines!” Vanessa added.
She has previously been partnered with Jake Quickenden and won the ITV skating show with the former X Factor star in 2018, and was later teamed up with ex-Love Island hunk Wes Nelson, finishing in second place back in 2019.
Vanessa will be able to return to the competition once her isolation period is complete, the show confirmed.
