Ice skating is dangerous.

ITV celebrity skating competition Dancing on Ice will not air a new episode this week because too many of the contestants are injured or unwell. Jason Donovan is the latest star to succumb to injury, after missing last week's show with an injured back. TV presenter Denise Van Outen, comedian Rufus Hound and The Only Way Is Essex star Billie Faiers have all have to withdraw from the show already due to injury. And now Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant has had to drop out after testing positive for Covid-19 alongside his partner Vanessa Bauer. Former Olympic artistic gymnast Amy Tinkler and comedian Matt Richardson had both been drafted in to replace the injured contestants, but now for the first time in the show's history, they have run out of reserves. Therefore this week there will be no live show, and instead a greatest hits special entitled Dancing On Ice: The Greatest Show On Ice will air on February 21st. An ITV spokesperson said: "ITV have taken the decision to pause Dancing on Ice this week and there will be no live show on Sunday 21st February." "Each week our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.

"The welfare of all of those involved is important to us and we felt it prudent to take a week's break at this juncture. Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is of paramount importance to us and we look forward to resuming the competition next week, with the show back live on Sunday 28th February.

"In place of Dancing On Ice this weekend a special entitled Dancing On Ice: The Greatest Show On Ice will be shown on ITV at 6pm on Sunday. This one-off show will celebrate the most memorable moments in the show's history."

"Dancing On Ice will be back, live on Sunday 28th February.