'Dancing On Ice' curse continues: Skater Hamish Gaman quits show over injury

Dancing On Ice professional skater Hamish Gaman has quit the series after injuring his hand.

The departure of Coronation Street actor Faye Brookes's skating partner is the latest in a string of setbacks to hit the ITV celebrity series, which is to be taken off air this weekend to give the remaining contestants a chance to regroup.

An ITV spokesperson: "Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition. We thank him for all his hard work and wish him the very best as he takes some time out to allow his injury to fully heal."

Read more: Dancing On Ice taken off air this weekend

Corrie star Brookes, 33, said: "Truly heartbroken with the news that @hamishgaman has had to withdraw from @dancingonice. This guy has been there for me from the very beginning. Taught me everything I know and I hope I did you proud brother... It has been an honour.

"You are honestly an incredible human but also an incredible friend. We both can’t thank the viewers at home enough for your constant support and for voting for Team #Faymish.

"Last but not least I have to Thank you Mr Gaman for supporting me no matter what! Here’s to a friendship that will go beyond the ice."

Gaman performed with Brookes on Sunday night with his hand strapped up, having injured a tendon while putting on a sock.

He revealed afterwards: "Faye wasn't fully aware but I snapped a tendon in my hand and I was advised before the show that I'm putting my finger at risk for the rest of my life here.

"It's one of those scenarios where there was a lot of people dropping out of the show and I love this show so much and I didn't want to let the team down. They strapped up my hand so I could get through the show."

The couple performed as Prince William and Kate Middleton but made last-minute changes to the routine to protect Gaman's hand.

Dancing On Ice will not air this weekend and is currently scheduled to return on Sunday 28 February.

There are currently just six celebrities left in the competition at the halfway point, after the cast were struck by multiple injuries and several tested positive for coronavirus.

Jason Donovan has been ordered by doctors to take time out after injuring his back, and Brookes will now need a new skating partner.

The show has already seen actor Denise Van Outen pull out due to a broken shoulder, while former The Only Way Is Essex star Billie Shepherd had to quit after a concussion.

Read more: Dancing On Ice hit by triple controversy

The cast are subjected to regular coronavirus testing, which has seen comedian Rufus Hound leave after a positive COVID test, followed by Emmerdale's Joe-Warren Plant, who also tested positive.

Pro skater Yebin Mok had to pull out of the series before it began after her partner Graham Bell accidentally stabbed her in the leg with his skate during training.

This week's live show will be replaced by pre-recorded highlights special Dancing On Ice: The Greatest Show On Ice, which will air on ITV at 6pm on Sunday.

Watch: Rebekah Vardy arrive at Dancing On Ice training