Dancing On Ice star Rufus Hound drops out after testing positive for coronavirus | Ents & Arts News

Rufus Hound has had to quit Dancing On Ice after testing positive for COVID-19.

The comedian had already been forced to miss last week’s show after coming into contact with someone with coronavirus.

However, the star revealed to his Twitter followers on Wednesday that he too had now tested positive.

Reflecting on his exit in a YouTube video, he said: “It sucks to have to quit the competition. Unfortunately the rules on Dancing On Ice are completely cut and dry, very strict, because they need to keep everyone as safe as possible.

“So it seemed like when I was just quarantining, there might be a window for me to get back to the show, a window that I know now doesn’t exist.”

He went on to describe his professional dance partner on the Sunday night ITV show, Robyn Johnstone, as “human sunshine” and a “tremendous pal”.

The pair impressed during their brief spell on the competition, with the judges awarding them the golden ticket and putting them straight through to the third week.

An ITV statement 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 Robyn’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.”

It has since been announced that Hound and his partner will be replaced by comedian Matt Richardson and professional skater Vicky Ogden.

Their exit is not the first in the series, with actress Denise Van Outen pulling out from the competition last month after partially dislocating her shoulder.