Dancing on Ice 2021: why was the ITV show not on this weekend, has it been cancelled - and when it could return

There was no live Dancing on Ice show on Sunday 21 February, and instead ITV aired a special episode, Dancing On Ice: The Greatest Show On Ice.

The episode was shown at 6pm, and celebrated the most memorable moments in the show’s history.

ITV announced on 16 February that the broadcasting of Dancing On Ice would take a week-long break due to injury and positive Covid-19 cases among the contestants.

Here is everything you need to know.

When will Dancing on Ice return?

The broadcaster has said the current plan is for Dancing On Ice to return on Sunday 28 February.

In a statement, ITV said: “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," it said.

Why has the show been paused?

This series of Dancing On Ice – despite being filmed under strict coronavirus protocols and with no live audience in attendance – has been disrupted by the pandemic.

Joe-Warren Plant and his professional skating partner Vanessa Bauer pulled out after both testing positive for Covid-19 – the fourth celebrity to quit the competition either because of injury or coronavirus – as did comedian Rufus Hound.

Hound had previously had to sit out from the competition after coming into contact with someone with Covid-19.

“Unfortunately, the rules on Dancing On Ice are completely cut and dry, very strict, because they need to keep everybody on that production as safe as possible,” he said in a video he shared on Twitter.

Who has been injured on the show?

The show has also been beset – as it often is – by injuries.

Comedian Matt Richardson, who replaced Hound on the show but has since been voted out, said he injured himself so badly during training that he was sent home with a “concussion and a black eye”.

Reality TV star Billie Shepherd left the show early after injuring herself in a fall, while actress and singer Denise Van Outen withdrew after she partially dislocated her shoulder during training.

When he returns on 28 February, actor and singer Jason Donovan will have enjoyed two weeks’ rest, having missed the 14 February live show suffering from a bad back.

Celebrities remaining on the show include radio DJ Sonny Jay, former athlete Colin Jackson and media personality Rebekah Vardy.

Dancing On Ice will return to ITV on Sunday 28 February