Dancing on Ice halted by Holly Willoughby as she issues series update just minutes into episode

Dancing on Ice hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern made an announcement minutes into the latest episode.

The ITV show was back on screens on Sunday night (February 2) - fronted by Holly and Stephen. And returning to the ice this week were the likes Sir Steve Redgrave, Sam Aston and Charlie Brooks, in a bid to show off their best moves.

However, just hours before the live show, it was announced that pro dancer Vanessa Bauer had been forced to quit the skating competition due to sustaining an injury during rehearsals.

READ MORE: Bad news for Coronation Street fans as ITV soap pulled from schedule

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: Four youngsters named after all of them die in tragic crash

Vanessa was partnered up with Love Island star Chris Taylor on the show. Due to her exit, she was replaced with Robin Johnstone who is Chris’ new pro skating partner.

Chris Taylor partnered with Vanessa Bauer for Dancing on Ice
Vanessa has had to withdraw from the competition -Credit:Instagram/@christophertaylorofficial

Dancing on Ice announced the news on Instagram in a statement: “Unfortunately, Vanessa Bauer sustained an injury whilst backstage and following medical advice, and will not be able to skate for the remainder of the series. We want to thank Vanessa for all her hard work on Dancing on Ice, and wish her a speedy recovery!”

Holly and Stephen addressed the news on Sunday’s show (February 2). Stephen said: “As you may have noticed Chris Taylor's partner Vanessa wasn't in our line up. Sadly, she had to withdraw from the competition due to an injury. But we're very grateful Robin Johnstone has stepped in to perform tonight!" Holly then said: "And of course we wish Vanessa a very speedy recovery!"

Stephen and Holly update viewers
Stephen and Holly update viewers -Credit:ITV

Vanessa also shared the news on her Instagram earlier on and told fans: “I'm here today with rather upsetting news. I am unfortunately not going to be able to continue on Dancing on Ice with Chris. I have trained Chris since October last year and it is always such an amazing achievement for myself to see someone else progress so much in a skill they've never done before.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Vanessa went on: “I unfortunately had a little accident backstage last week on Dancing on Ice just before the live show on Sunday. And I didn't realise how bad it was then, but we did an MRI and it turned out that I have a completely torn ligament, grade three sprain injury and a major grade two sprain injury. I shouldn't be skating on an injury like that and so I'm taking all of the advice from the medical professionals here, I am in very good hands.”

Dancing On Ice is on Sundays on ITV1 and on ITVX