Why Has Rufus Hound Quit Dancing On Ice?

4 February 2021, 10:01 | Updated: 5 February 2021, 16:43

Rufus Hound axed from Dancing On Ice after testing positive for coronavirus

Rufus Hound has had to quit Dancing on Ice, but why did he and skating partner Robin Johnstone have to leave the show?

Rufus Hound already had to miss two weeks of Dancing on Ice episodes after coming into contact with someone with coronavirus and he’s left the series completely.

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In a video confirming his exit from the series, Rufus said: “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.

"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."

Why has Rufus Hound quit Dancing on Ice?

Rufus Hound left Dancing on Ice after testing positive for coronavirus. He had been isolating with hopes to return to the series after coming into contact with someone who had the virus, but ITV's producers decided the safest option was for him to quit the show as he'd missed too much time of practice.

He has been replaced by comedian Matt Richardson and professional skater Vicky ogden.

In the video confirming his exit from Dancing on Ice, Rufus went on to call professional skating partner Robin Johnstone “human sunshine” and revealed all the big plans they’d hoped to bring to the ice, including a Dungeons and Dragon theme and a Valentine’s Day rave.

ITV confirmed the comedian’s exit in a statement, saying: “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."

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Rufus isn’t the first who has had to leave this year’s Dancing on Ice; Denise van Outen was forced to quit after dislocating her shoulder during rehearsals.

Reality star Billie Faiers also had to miss a week due to a family bereavement.

It comes days after Dancing on Ice changed their coronavirus rules so that anyone who tests positive will now automatically be axed.

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