Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Janine Yaqoob & Helen Carter

Dancing on Ice star pulls out of Sunday night's show over positive Covid test

Dancing on Ice star Rufus Hound has been forced to pull out of tomorrow night's show after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for coronavirus.

The comedian has now got to isolate for 10 days to comply with the government guidelines, the Mirror reports.

It means his future on the ITV ice skating show is up in the air.

The 41-year-old had been scheduled to perform a group number tomorrow night and again next Sunday for his individual skate.

But these plans have been thrown into disarray.

Rufus Hound got the very first 'Golden Ticket' (ITV)

It is not yet clear whether he will be allowed back on the show once he's out of isolation.

Sources told the Mirror that he tested negative for the virus and is now at home in self-isolation.

His professional partner Robin Johnstone has also been advised to stay away from the studios, but does not have to self-isolate as she has not been in contact with anyone who tested positive.

Rufus Hound is one of the stars of Dancing On Ice (PA)

An ITV spokesperson said: "This week Rufus Hound came into contact with someone outsider of the show who tested positive for Covid-19.

"This means, following government guidelines, he will isolate for 10 days. We are hoping to welcome him back to the ice soon.

"We continue to have a robust set of measures in place to operate safely within Covid-19 guidelines and to ensure the well being of everyone connected with the production."

Dancing On Ice star Rufus Hound is at home in self-isolation after coming into contact with someone who tested positive (PA)

The dad-of-two is a huge miss after making his mark on the first show in the series on Sunday.

He won the first golden ticket of the competition - earning a straight pass into the next round.

Judges Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and John Barrowman praised his Super Mario-themed skate.

But now he can't take part.

He also made an impassioned political speech which divided fans on the government's recent failures to provide free school meals to the poorest in society.

It led to hundreds of complaints to Ofcom.

Dancing on Ice is on ITV at 6pm on Sunday night.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.