Comedian Rufus Hound has left Dancing On Ice after receiving a positive Covid-19 test.
This is the second time Covid had impacted his participation, he previously had to pull out of the competition because he was a close contact of somebody diagnosed with the illness.
The comedian revealed on social media that he tested positive. He described his professional partner Robin Johnstone as “human sunshine” and a “tremendous pal”.
He added that it “sucks” to have had to quit the competition.
“Unfortunately, the rules on Dancing On Ice are completely cut and dry, very strict, because they need to keep everybody on that production as safe as possible,” he said in a video he shared on Twitter.
“So it seemed like when I was just quarantining, there might be a window of opportunity for me to be able to get back to the show, a window that I now know doesn’t exist.”
Rufus Hound and partner Robin Johnstone
Hound impressed during his first skate of the competition, with the judges putting him straight through to week three of the competition by giving him a golden ticket in recognition of his performance.
An ITV spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that following a positive test result, Rufus Hound is unable to return to Dancing On Ice this weekend.
“Although Rufus and his partner Robin’s time on the ice has been all too brief, they can be truly proud of their achievements.
“We thank them for all their hard work and commitment to the show.”
Comedian Matt Richardson and professional skater Vicky Ogden will join the line-up for the celebrity skating programme following Hound’s exit.
Last month actress and singer Denise Van Outen also withdrew from the competition after she partially dislocated her shoulder during training.
Billie Shepherd also took time away from the competition following a family bereavement.
Dancing On Ice continues on Virgin Media One on Sundays at 6pm.