Hound in the pound after Covid ‘contact’

RUFUS Hound has pulled out of tonight’s Dancing On Ice.

The comedian, 41, is in isolation after coming into contact with someone who has coronavirus.

It’s a blow for the skating show as he was due to perform as part of a major group routine.

Rufus said: “It’s a bit of a kick in the d**k but I just want to give full props to ITV, who were super prepared for this sort of thing and have kept me and everyone in the production as safe as they possibly could.”

An ITV spokeswoman said: “This week Rufus came into contact with someone outside of the show who tested positive for Covid-19.

“This means, following Government guidelines, he will isolate for 10 days. We are hoping to welcome him back soon.”

Rufus will also miss next weekend’s show, when he was due to compete for the second time with skating partner Robin Johnstone.

Bosses have ruled he won’t face the public vote and will automatically advance to the following week. A show source said: “Whenever a contestant is forced to miss a show due to ill health or injury, they are automatically put through to the next week.

“This situation is being treated in the same way.”

It is hoped Rufus will return to the show on February 7.

Producers will be monitoring the situation over the next fortnight. They are following strict coronavirus guidelines in a bid to keep the series on air.

Our source said: “The welfare of everyone working on the show is the first priority. There is a robust set of measures to make sure everything operates safely and within the Government guidelines.”