Comedian Josh Jones has been forced to withdraw from Dancing On Ice just hours before Sunday’s live show after sustaining an injury during rehearsals.
The 32-year-old and his professional skating partner Tippy Packard will no longer compete in the ITV reality skating programme.
The news was confirmed by the show via their official Instagram page, with producers pledging support for Jones during his recovery.
A statement shared on Dancing On Ice’s Instagram page read: “Josh Jones sustained an injury during rehearsals and has had to withdraw from Dancing on Ice.”
The message continued: “Josh and Tippy’s partnership will be greatly missed. We will be helping to support Josh and wish him well with his recovery.”
The announcement came just hours before the third episode of the series was due to air on ITV.
Jones was set to perform in the third episode of the ITV skating competition this Sunday before the injury forced his early departure.
He had been partnered with professional skater Tippy Packard for the series.
The comedian’s exit comes after a narrowly avoiding being the first to be booted from the competition in last week’s show.
Jones avoided what would have been a tense skate-off with Hollyoaks‘ Chelsee Healey after a controversial change-up to the show.
Josh Jones has quit the ITV skating competition
PA
Ahead of the show, Jones had admitted he had “no skating experience” whatsoever.
While speaking on Gaydio, he explained: “I did it once for a date years ago and I wasn’t very good.
“I was holding onto the railings the entire time and we aren’t together now.
“My dancing isn’t great either, for a gay man I have no rhythm, I struggle to clap along to a beat so this will be fun,” he conceded.
Following the announcement, fans flooded the comments of the post with well wishes for Jones.
“So so sorry to read this, sending you lots of love,” one wrote.
Jones had been partnered with professional skater Tippy Packard for the series
PA
“This is a real shame so early in the competition,” another observed.
“Oh no that’s so sad! hope Josh is okay,” a third wished.
However, others felt this only made the exit of Healey last week and called for the Hollyoaks star’s return.
One demanded: “Bring back Chelsea,there’s no way she should have gone last week!”
“Bring back Chelsea then. She was robbed,” another wrote curtly.
