Joe-Warren Plant has been forced to quit the current series of Dancing On Ice after testing positive for Covid-19.
The Emmerdale star said in a statement: “Having tested positive for Covid this now means the end of the competition for Vanessa and I.
“I have loved every minute of being a part of Dancing On Ice and I am disappointed as I feel I had so much more to give and was working hard to perfect each performance.”
He added: “Thank you so much to Vanessa for being a fantastic teacher and although its been cut short, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this experience.
“Thank you to all the crew who have been brilliant and especially thanks to the other cast members, they have been hugely supportive and I wish them all the very best.”
Confirming she’d also tested positive for Covid, Vanessa said: “Joe-Warren has been growing every week into such a talented skater and I’m so sad we won’t be able to show more of the great routines we had planned.
“I am beyond proud and devastated, as we had so much more to show, he was the hardest working partner I’ve ever had.”
An ITV spokesperson explained: “They’ve been wonderful on the show this year and we thank them for all their dedication and beautiful performances.”
Joe-Warren is the fourth celebrity forced to leave the current series early, with Denise Van Outen quitting on medical grounds last month when she fractured her shoulder during rehearsals.
Rufus Hound then became the second star to step down, after he tested positive for Covid.
Denise and Rufus were replaced by Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler and comedian Matt Richardson, respectively.
Following these two exits, it was revealed that reality star Billie Shepherd had been forced to withdraw, having suffered a concussion following a fall on the ice.
The remaining 10 contestants will return to Dancing On Ice on Sunday night at 6pm on ITV.