Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Jason: Out but I’ll be back
Injured Aussie is fifth celeb casualty of Dancing on Ice
DANCING on Ice is on thin ice after Jason Donovan last night became the fifth celebrity to pull out – although his absence should only be temporary.
The Aussie star was forced to rest rather than compete on the ITV show after suffering back pain while training during the week.
After last night’s vote, just six contestants now remain with five weeks to go. Jason, 52, explained: “I’ve had back pain the past couple of days and I’m under doctor’s orders to take it easy and sit this week out. I’m resting up, I’ll be watching from home and cheering everyone on. I look forward to returning next week.”
One week’s bye is allowed under the rules so, as long as he is recovered, Jason – whose partner is Alexandra Schauman – should be able to perform next weekend.
Any more withdrawals would be a disaster for show bosses already reeling from the loss of four contestants, with no reserves left.
On Friday, Emmerdale star Joewarren Platt pulled out after testing positive for Covid. The 18-year-old actor had been one of the favourites to win with professional partner Vanessa Bauer.
His departure came after Rufus Hound also left following a positive test for coronavirus, while actress and presenter Denise van Outen and EX-TOWIE star Billie Shepherd both quit because of injuries.
The show is now running perilously short of contestants, despite Denise being replaced by gymnast Amy Tinkler and comic Matt Richardson being drafted in to fill the gap left by Rufus – only to be voted straight out again last weekend.
One insider said: “They’re dropping like flies. At this rate there won’t be enough left for the final.”