Why is the Dancing on Ice live show cancelled tonight?

(Image credit: ITV)

Dancing on Ice 2021 is taking a mid-series break - here is everything you need to know.

ITV bosses have confirmed that there won't be a live Dancing on Ice show tonight.

The series is taking break after being plagued by trouble over recent weeks, including celebrity skaters having to bow out of the show due to injury or positive Covid tests.

Dancing on Ice stars — Many Dancing on Ice celebrities have had to drop out of the series (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

A statement from ITV confirmed that there would be no live show this weekend: "ITV have taken the decision to pause Dancing on Ice this week and there will be no live show on Sunday 21st February.

More: EastEnders welcomes Brian Conley to the cast as Sonia's long-lost dad

"Each week our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.

"The welfare of all 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 live shows back on Sunday 28th February."

Dancing on Ice Torvill and Dean — Torvill and Dean will be back with the rest of the team on 28th February (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

Defying the odds

The news comes after Denise Van Outen and Billie Faiers were both forced to withdraw from the competition after sustaining injuries during training.

Dancing on Ice has defied the odds and managed to put on a show despite the current lockdown restrictions that are in place.

Sadly the series has still been hit by a number of Covid-related troubles, including comedian Rufus Hound and Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant both having to withdraw after testing positive for the virus.

Dancing on Ice Denise Van Outen — Denise is just one of the celebrity skaters who has had to drop out of the show (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

Jason Donovan has also been forced to take a break from the show due to back pain, however it is hoped he will be able to return to the ice when the live shows begin again.

A one-off special

Thankfully, the Dancing on Ice-shaped hole in your Sunday evening will be filled by a one-off special tonight.

ITV will instead air Dancing on Ice: The Greatest Show on Ice instead, which will revisit the most memorable moments in the show's history, including the past winners.

Dancing on Ice airs on Sunday nights at 6pm on ITV - the live shows will return on Sunday 28th February.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.