ITV bosses have axed this week’s Dancing On Ice after they were left unable to fill the show due to injuries.
Producers took the decision to give all the celebrities and their professional partners a week’s break to allow everyone the chance to recover.
Jason Donovan, 52, missed Sunday’s show because of a back injury – and at least two other celebrities are nursing minor niggles.
It comes a day after The Celeb Report revealed how the series was on thin ice due a spare of injuries and COVID-19 related drop-outs.
The series will return on Sunday, February 28 after the enforced hiatus.
An ITV source said: “Everyone’s just been working really hard to put on a brilliant series.
“The production team has been amazing working around new protocols and working around the pandemic which is ever-evolving with new variants and such.
“This break will just allow the cast and crew the time to take a breath. Everyone gives it their all and just wants the show to be amazing for viewers at home so a week to recharge and rest up before coming back will be great.”
Jason missed Sunday night’s show after being unable to rehearse his routine due to back pain.
The Aussie was automatically given a bye into the next round, but will be forced to quit for good if he cannot get fit by the time the show returns.
If he quits it will mean that five famous faces have withdrawn this series alone, with no more back-ups available to call upon.
To make matters worse for beleaguered producers on the skating show, at least two other stars are nursing injuries.
Rapper Lady Leshurr, 32, has complained about pain in her leg, while Rebekah Vardy, 38, has a groin strain.
The latest withdrawal comes after show favourite Joe-Warren Plant and partner Vanessa Bauer were forced to quit on Friday after they both tested positive for coronavirus.
Before that, West End star Denise Van Outen had to withdraw due to a broken shoulder.
Towie’s Billie Shepherd quit after a heavy fall on the ice, and Rufus Hound was booted after also testing positive for coronavirus for a second time.
Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes, 33, is now the bookies favourite to triumph.
