Dancing On Ice announces same-sex partnership after Vanessa Bauer tests positive for Covid-19

Virgin Radio

15 Feb 2022, 10:34

Brendan Cole will be pairing up with Brendyn Hatfield for Musicals Week on Sunday.

Sadly, pro-skater Vanessa Bauer will be missing out on this week’s Dancing on Ice after testing positive for Coronavirus. Instead, her partner and former Strictly star Brendan Cole will be pairing up with Brendyn Hatfield.

ITV confirmed in a statement today (15 February): "Unfortunately, Vanessa Bauer is unable to skate this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19. We look forward to Vanessa returning to the competition soon.

"Brendan Cole will still perform in this Sunday's show and will be partnered with professional skater Brendyn Hatfield."

Vanessa and Brendan had been dominating the leaderboards in recent weeks and are one of the favourites to win the competition.

Speaking about missing out on the show, she said: "I’m disappointed that I have tested positive for Covid and won’t be able to perform with Brendan for Musicals Week. But I am excited that Brendan gets to skate and challenge himself with an incredible fellow pro and friend in Brendyn.

"I have no doubt they will absolutely smash this Sunday. I’m looking forward to returning to the competition to showcase more creative routines!"

Brendan was also saddened by the news, but expressed his excitement to get back on the rink.

He said: “I am absolutely gutted that Vanessa is unable to skate this weekend. I know she would have put together another fantastic routine.

"However, and with Vanessa’s blessing I’ve been given an amazing opportunity to create something fantastic for Musicals Week with Brendyn.

"He's an exceptionally talented skater, and I have no doubt we will be able to create something really special for the show! I can’t thank him enough for stepping in."

Brendyn Hatfield was originally coupled up with Rachel Stevens, but the pair were kicked out of the competition two weeks ago.

He will be joining the Strictly star this Sunday to skate to Beggin’ by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons from Jersey Boys.

It is expected Vanessa will return to the competition once her isolation period is over.

Dancing On Ice returns this Sunday (20 February) at 6:30pm on ITV and ITV Hub.