Ashley Banjo is set to be replaced on Dancing On Ice after ITV confirmed he will be absent due to other work commitments.
American figure skater Johnny Weir, 39, will take the dancer’s place on the panel, as well as performing on the show.
Professional dancer Ashley, 35, announced during Sunday’s show he is taking a break from DOI to hit the road with his dance group, Diversity.
Ashley is due to return to the panel alongside Oti Mabuse, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean in time for the show’s semi-final.
Johnny, who competed on season 29 of Dancing with the Stars in the US, is preparing to jet to London ahead of the next show.
Ashley Banjo is set to be replaced on Dancing On Ice after ITV confirmed he will be absent due to other work commitments
American figure skater Johnny Weir, 39, will take the dancer’s place on the panel, as well as performing on the show
On Monday, Johnny broke his silence on the news, telling his Instagram followers: ‘Good morning everyone, I’ve just hopped on the ice for my final practice before I head off to London tomorrow to take part in Dancing On Ice which is one of the biggest skating TV shows in the entire world.
‘In all my 27 years of skating I’ve never performed on the ice in the UK so looking forward to that and seeing all the couples perform and sitting next to Jane and Christopher!’
It comes after Claire Sweeney became the latest star to leave the series after landing in the dreaded skate off with Lou Sanders on Sunday.
The soap star , 52, despite dislocating her rib during rehearsals had taken to the rink for a burlesque themed performance as she skated and sung live.
Following the skate off off judges Ashley Banjo , Oti Mabus, Jayne Torville and Christopher Dean announced they wanted to save the ‘strongest skater’.
The Corrie actress had been critiqued earlier in the show for spending too much time off the ice during lifts.
The jam packed show also featured a shocking twist as host Holly Willoughby announced there would be a shock double eviction next week.
Claire gushed about her ‘incredible’ time in the competition and how proud she was to have eight-year-old son Jaxon in the audience.
Ashley is due to return to the panel alongside Oti Mabuse , Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean in time for the show’s semi-final
On Monday, Johnny broke his silence on the news, telling his Instagram followers: ‘I’ve just hopped on the ice for my final practice before I head off to London tomorrow to take part in Dancing On Ice which is one of the biggest skating TV shows in the entire world.’
Meanwhile Ricky Norwood brushed off reports he t hreatened to quit following a furious argument with pro partner Annette Dytrt as performed a traditional German Schuhplattler, complete with lederhosen.
Despite the routine which featured a ‘a German folk remix’ of YMCA was a huge hit with the studio audience it scored a disappointing 23.5 out of 40.
Shouting ‘oh, come on’ as he was awarded his points by the judges, Holly reminded the former EastEnders star that it was his highest score in the competition so far.
Jayne told the actor: ‘I didn’t think it would work but it did and it had me smiling, you improves so much from last week’.
While viewers at home complained the Ricky had been ‘stitched up’ with his comedy routine.
One person wrote on Twitter: ‘Ricky is better than that – stitched up much.’
While someone else wrote: ‘They stitched Ricky up there! That was the strangest music they’ve ever had on there.’
Someone else wrote: ‘No wonder Ricky was losing it this week being given this dross to dance to.’
Dancing On Ice ‘s Claire Sweeney became the latest star to leave the series after landing in the dreaded skate off with Lou Sanders on Sunday (pictured with pro partner Colin Grafton)
The soap star , 52, despite dislocating her rib during rehearsals had taken to the rink for a burlesque themed performance as she skated and sung live (Lou Sanders and pro and Brendyn Hatfield pictured)
Another viewer posted: ‘Ricky deserved more, do they hate him, that version of YMCA…’
While another show can commented: ‘ Ricky is a good sport with his attitude. Well done. Don’t let the judges pull you down! #DancingOnIce At least you can skate without holding on to your partner for dear life!’
It comes after host Holly referenced her ‘swearing’ gaffe after fans were convinced she dropped the f bomb during last week’s show.
The TV presenter, 42, shared her look for this week’s show on her Instagram page ahead of the programme and made light of the incident in her caption.
Holly wrote: ‘This is Big Brother… Please do not swear. See you on Dancing On Ice at 6:20. Tonight we celebrate the best dance styles ever!’
Last Sunday, Holly was forced to apologise to viewers after it sounded like she accidentally dropped an expletive while presenting the show.
Holly apologised in case she accidentally said a ‘naughty word’ during an interaction with her co-host Stephen Mulhern.
It comes after host Holly referenced her ‘swearing’ gaffe after fans were convinced she dropped the f bomb during last week’s show
The TV presenter, 42, shared her look for this week’s show on her Instagram page ahead of the programme and made light of the incident in her caption
Holly was back alongside her new co-host Stephen Mulhern
She said: ‘A little bit earlier on, Stephen may have made me jump and I think it might have sounded like a naughty word slipped out,’ she said.
Viewers admitted they were torn over whether Holly did say the f word, or whether it was something that sounded similar.
Holly, who will no doubt be hoping to avoid any on-screen gaffes this week, shared a snap of her latest Dancing On Ice look on Instagram.
The former This Morning host looked incredible in a form-fitting yellow gown, which featured one statement shoulder.
She wore her blonde locks swept up into a chic updo, with some strands left loose framing her pretty features, which had been accentuated with soft make-up.
DANCING ON ICE: MEET THE 2024 CONTESTANTS
RICKY HATTON
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: Former pro boxer
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink’
HANNAH SPEARRITT
AGE: 42
PROFESSION: SINGER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I’m really excited about learning a new skill. It’s so easy to live your comfortable life and that aspect of mixing things up is very appealing’
GREG RUTHERFORD
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Athlete
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘I like a challenge and I needed a reason to go out and do stuff again and here we are. I want to perform something that’s never been done before, that’s my aim.’
Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards
AGE: 59
PROFESSION: OLYMPIC SKI JUMPER
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘Dancing on Ice is a show I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a challenge I think I’m going to relish!’
RICKY NORWOOD
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: EastEnders star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘It’s come at such a great time in life. I can’t skate at all! No rehearsals as yet, I’ve just had some physiotherapy to strengthen the body.’
RYAN THOMAS
AGE: 39
PROFESSION: Corrie star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘Everyone keeps asking me, “are you doing it?” I’ve told everyone!’
CLAIRE SWEENEY
AGE: 52
PROFESSION: ACTRESS
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I am stepping into the unknown here. I don’t know how I will feel. But I am very excited.’
AMBER DAVIES
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: WEST END STAR
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I would definitely say that I’m an adrenaline junkie but I do get more nervous as I get older and I hope that I can contain them’
MILES NAZAIRE
AGE: 27
PROFESSION: REALITY STAR
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘I’ve always loved to dance but it’s usually on a dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice looks so difficult.’
LOU SANDERS
AGE: 37
PROFESSION: COMEDIAN
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I’m nervous about cracking my head open, or just bashing the old head. I can’t afford to lose any more brain cells.’
ADELE ROBERTS
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: RADIO PRESENTER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘It’s ”bricking it on ice” for me! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there as I usually hide away’
ROXY SHAHIDI
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: Emmerdale star
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I can’t ice-skate. I haven’t really said anything to anyone but mainly because I’m so nervous about it!’
