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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Jasmine Allday & Ben Reid

ITV Dancing on Ice Sean Rice remembered in poignant tribute to late skater

ITV's Dancing on Ice team have remembered late professional skater Sean Rice with a poignant tribute after his death at the age of 49.

The professional ice skater died in January and the ITV show aired a touching tribute to the late pro, with hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern wearing black as they presented the show together.

Two of his skating friends - Lukasz Rozycki and Alexandra Schauman - took to the ice to perform a sweet tribute to the skater, who appeared on the ITV show for a couple of years in 2011 and 2012, the Mirror reports.

As he introduced the skate, host Stephen said: "First, we've got a stunning performing choreographed by two of the professional skaters that they would like to dedicate to someone very special."

As Holly added: "Former Dancing On Ice professional Sean Rice sadly passed away in January and he'll be missed by all who knew who him. Our thoughts are with his family.

"So here with a beautiful routine dedicated to Sean, here are two of his closest friends Lukasz and Alexandra."

At the time, Frankie Poultney, who is a fellow skater and close friend of Sean, shared the sad news on Twitter of Sean's passing.

She wrote: "Pro skaters are heartbroken today, we lost a true larger than life great - an epic skater, a husband, father, and my friend of 20 years.

"Sean Rice, 20/07/72 - 14/01/22 gone too soon, but we will Love You For A Thousand Years. All of our thoughts are with Signey and Jodeyne."

A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice added: "We are all deeply saddened to hear this news. Sean was a wonderful skater and friend to many on the Dancing On Ice team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

At the time of his passing, Alpine ski racer, Chemmy Alcott, who he was partnered with on the show, posted a tribute to her friend as she remembered his "amazing energy".

She wrote: "Have just heard the tragic news that Sean Rice, my partner from DOI, has passed away. The world will miss your amazing energy and your healing hands. All my love to J and S."

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