Dancing On Ice 2021: Rebekah Vardy is ELIMINATED following a skate-off against Lady Leshurr

Rebekah Vardy has become the latest star to be booted off from Dancing On Ice on Sunday after facing the skate-off against Lady Leshurr. 

The WAG, 39, looked gutted to be eliminated from the competition just days before the semi-final after having lost out against the rapper, 32, who had survived her third skate-off. 

Her exit comes as the ITV show returned to screens for Movie Night, after taking a week-long hiatus after five celebrities were forced to quit due to injury and coronavirus. 

Out! Rebekah Vardy has become the latest star to be booted off from Dancing On Ice on Sunday after facing the skate-off against Lady Leshurr

Following her skate-off performance, in which she made some viable mistakes, she was heard telling pro partner Andy Buchanan ‘I screwed up’, before then telling the panel: ‘That was awful!’

When asked by host Holly Willoughby how she’s enjoyed her experience, Rebekah replied: ‘It’s been absolutely incredible, I’ve loved every moment of it.’ 

She continued: ‘But you know these things happen and I’ve had a great time and thank you [Andy] so much for teaching me.’

The beauty added that though she wasn’t ready to leave the competition, she would ‘definitely’ keep skating as he kids are ‘desperate’ to get on the ice. 

So tough: The WAG, 39, looked gutted to be eliminated from the competition just days before the semi-final after having lost out against the rapper, 32, who had survived her third skate-off

Rebekah’s elimination from the show means that three-time skate-off survivor Lady Leshurr will skate through to next week’s semi-final, alongside Faye Brookes, Colin Jackson and Sonny Jay.

At the top of the show, both Colin Jackson and Sonny Jay kicked things off with a bang as they received the joint highest scores of the series so far, with both bagging an impressive 37.5 out of 40.

Former athlete Colin, 54, wowed with his disco-themed skate to You Should Be Dancing from Saturday Night Fever, while radio host Sonny, 27, impressed with his Billy Elliot routine.  

Upset: Following her skate-off performance, in which she made some viable mistakes, she was heard telling pro partner Andy Buchanan ‘I screwed up’

Skate-off: Following her skate-off performance, in which she made some viable mistakes, she was heard telling pro partner Andy Buchanan ‘I screwed up’, before then telling the panel: ‘That was awful!’

Tried her best: When asked by host Holly Willoughby how she’s enjoyed her experience, Rebekah replied: ‘It’s been absolutely incredible, I’ve loved every moment of it’

Three times lucky: Rebekah’s elimination from the show means that three-time skate-off survivor Lady Leshurr will skate through to next week’s semi-final, alongside Faye Brookes, Colin Jackson and Sonny Jay

Colin certainly pulled out the stops for his performance with Klabera Komini, donning a black wig and a white trousers and waistcoat combo, teamed with a purple shirt.

Speaking after the routine, host Holly Willoughby remarked on Colin’s amazing score, telling him: ‘I don’t think we’ve had 9.5s at this stage!’

An excited John Barrowman remarked: ‘This is what we’ve been waiting for from you – clean, polished, disco-fabulous!’

While Christopher Dean remarked: ‘You wasn’t relying on the tricks, it was about the skating… it was one of your best skates, so well done!’

Hosts with the most: Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were on hand to present the show’s movie week special

On top: Colin Jackson and Sonny Jay kicked things off with a bang as they received the joint highest score of the series so far, with both bagging an impressive 37.5 out of 40

Looking good! Colin certainly pulled out the stops for his performance with Klabera Komini, donning a black wig and a white trousers and waistcoat combo, teamed with a purple shirt

Meanwhile, Sonny got toes tapping as he and pro partner Angela Egan strutted their stuff to Town Called Malice from Billy Elliot.

The radio star remarked after his performance that it was the ‘hardest week for me’, but that didn’t stop the judges from scoring highly, with Christopher particularly impressed by the storytelling. 

John commented of the pair: ‘The moment you started, you took the entire film, literally, on ice.’

Impressive: Colin gave it his all on the ice as her performed alongside Klabera Komini

How low can you go? Colin showed off his skills as he channelled John Travolta on the ice

Wow: Speaking after the routine, host Holly Willoughby remarked on Colin’s amazing score, telling him: ‘I don’t think we’ve had 9.5s at this stage!’

Over the moon: The Welsh star looked thrilled with his highest ever scores of the series

While Ashley Banjo enthused: ‘The rest of the competition needs to watch out for you!’ 

Up next was Rebekah Vardy, who channeled screen icon Audrey Hepburn for her Breakfast At Tiffany’s routine.

The TV personality, 39, certainly looked the part with her beehive hairstyle, black dress and pearls as she joined partner Andy Buchanan for stunning skate to the song Moon River.

John was full of praise for their performance, which scored 34 points, stating that he ‘absolutely loved it!’

Good job: Meanwhile, Sonny got toes tapping as he and pro partner Angela Egan strutted their stuff to Town Called Malice from Billy Elliot

Having fun: John commented of the pair: ‘The moment you started, you took the entire film, literally, on ice’

Amazing: The radio star remarked after his performance that it was the ‘hardest week for me’, but that didn’t stop the judges from scoring highly, with Christopher particularly impressed by the storytelling

He went on: ‘I found it emotional watching you’ adding that Rebekah ‘really encapsulated Audrey and her persona’. 

Former Coronation Street star Faye Brookes took to the ice next, this time skating with new partner Matt Evers, after Hamish Gaman has to exit the competition after injuring his finger. 

In their debut skate together, the dup performed to Oh, Pretty Woman from Pretty Woman, with Faye stunning in a short red dress and a dazzling necklace. 

Stunning: Up next was Rebekah Vardy, who channeled screen icon Audrey Hepburn for her Breakfast At Tiffany’s routine

Glam: The TV personality, 39, certainly looked the part with her beehive hairstyle, black dress and pearls as she joined partner Andy Buchanan for stunning skate to the song Moon River

After the routine, Ashley commented Faye for adapting so quickly, telling her: ‘I’ve gotta give it to you, you’re a trooper. I was super impressed, you should be proud of yourself.’

Despite not having much time as a partnership, the duo scored a credible 34.5 points out of 40.  

Last to skate in movie week was Lady Leshurr, who after landing in the bottom two the previous week, was keen to impress with her Jurassic Park themed performance. 

The skate was sure to wow viewers at home as both Lady Leshurr and partner Brendyn Hatfield donned cool costumes while they were accompanied by a plethora of scaring dinosaurs by the side of the rink.

New pair: Former Coronation Street star Faye Brookes took to the ice next, this time skating with new partner Matt Evers, after Hamish Gaman has to exit the competition after injuring his finger

Good job: After the routine, Ashley commented Faye for adapting so quickly, telling her: ‘I’ve gotta give it to you, you’re a trooper. I was super impressed, you should be proud of yourself’

The rapper was praised for getting into character, with Chris remarking: ‘every time you skate you bring us the performance’, while Jayne Torvill said: ‘I love your commitment to each performance.’

Their routine scored 33 points, landing them at the bottom of the leader board. 

Meanwhile, it was confirmed that the show’s finale will now be taking place on Sunday March 14, instead of the original date of March 21.

Putting on a show: Last to skate in movie week was Lady Leshurr, who after landing in the bottom two the previous week, was keen to impress with her Jurassic Park themed performance

A spokesperson for the show said in a statement: ‘ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week. The competition’s final will now take place on Sunday 14th March.

‘Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.

‘Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.’

The show was cancelled last week after several celebrity contestants quit due to their skating injuries and positive coronavirus tests.

 Choice: A spokesperson for the show said in a statement: ‘ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week’

A source speaking to The Sun about the shock decision claimed: ‘Everybody is absolutely gutted that it’s come to this.

‘But ultimately, due to injuries and shooting the show during a pandemic, they’ve been left with no choice.

‘They can’t compromise on the quality of the programme, so in order to keep it to the high standards that everyone expects, they’ve decided to trim the series by a show.’ 

The source added that by cutting the show short, it would ensure that those who are left would get the semi-final and grand finale they ‘deserve’.  

Difficult decision: The show was cancelled last week after several celebrity contestants quit the show

Jason Donovan was the latest celebrity to depart the show following a back injury, as he announced on Monday that he would not be returning to the ITV show. 

He became the fifth star to bow out of the ‘cursed’ competition after Denise Van Outen and Billie Faiers had to leave due to injuries and Rufus Hound and Joe-Warren Plant were axed following positive Covid test results.  

On Friday contestants Faye Brookes, 33, and Rebekah Vardy both hit back at the ‘curse’ claims on This Morning while appearing alongside their professional partners.

Talking to Alison Hammond, 46, and Dermot O’Leary, 47, Faye, who is now partnered with Matt Evers, 44, after partner Hamish Gaman, 37, injured his finger, said the stars knew what they were getting into. 

‘It’s the most dangerous show on TV’: On Friday contestants Faye Brookes, 33, and Rebekah Vardy both hit back at the ‘curse’ claims on This Morning on Friday alongside their pro partners

Reflecting on her co-stars’ recent injuries, she said: ‘We signed up for this – we know this is the most dangerous show on television.

‘We’ve got to make sure we take care of ourselves, trust our partner, and keep entertaining on the show every week.’ 

Speaking of working together, Matt said: ‘It’s a whole new world, literally we’ve had 11 hours together to get ready for Sunday.’ 

Faye continued on the subject of changing partner: ‘Well my head was spinning obviously but what’s so lovely I owe everything to Hamish. 

‘He taught me everything from basics to how to perform and I fell in love with ice skating. 

‘Things have changed and I have Matt… he knows what the judges want, but he’s a pro, we’ve had to work ridiculously hard in the last week.’

Addressing the number of drop-outs, Matt said: ‘We are still standing. The morale here is still high we know were up against a lot this year but it’s about making the best of a bad situation that 2020 and 2021 brought. It’s a matter of keeping a smile.’

Oh dear! [L-R] Denise Van Outen [pictured with Matt Evers last month] was forced to drop out too, after she dislocated her shoulder; Comedian Rufus Houd was axed from the competition last month after he tested positive for the virus twice [pictured with partner Robin Johnstone last month]

This year’s series has been hit by a long line of celeb exits, leaving some to think the season is ‘cursed’, and producers to run out of ‘back ups’ for the first time.

Emmerdale’s Joe-Warren and his pro partner Vanessa were forced to withdraw after they both tested positive for COVID-19 while Denise exited the show after injuring her shoulder in three places and dislocating it.

Billie was then forced to quit the competition after hitting her head and suffering from a concussion, while Rufus announced his shock exit after testing positive for coronavirus. 

As well as the celebs, pro skater Yebin Mok, who was partnered with Graham Bell, had to bow out of the show following a freak accident which saw her suffer ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’.  

And skater Hamish, who had been competing with Faye,  also withdrew from the series following an injury while putting on a sock.  

Dancing On Ice 2021: The ‘Cursed’ Series

January 13

Graham Bell’s partner Yebin Mok suffers a freak accident after suffering ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’. 

While it was initially thought she would return to the competition, the injuries were worse than anticipated and she was replaced by Karina Manta. They were voted out the following weekend.

Ouch! Graham Bell’s partner Yebin Mok suffers a freak accident after suffering ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’

Out! While it was initially thought she would return to the competition, the injuries were worse than anticipated and she was replaced

January 26

Denise Van Outen announces she’s quit Dancing On Ice after learning she’d fractured her shoulder in an accident during training. 

The presenter, 46, shared an Instagram statement telling fans she’d withdrawn the show after being told by doctors the injury would leave her severely limited in training.

Denise was replaced by retired Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler, 21, who made her debut on the ice the following weekend alongside pro Joe Johnson. Amy and Joe were voted off on February 14.

Injury! Denise Van Outen announced she’d quit after fracturing her shoulder in training

Gone! The presenter told fans she’d withdrawn the show after being told by doctors the injury would leave her severely limited in training [pictured with pro partner Matt Evers]

January 28 

Billie Shepherd reveals her grandmother Wendy has tragically passed away. She died age 77 from pneumonia.

In the wake of the news it was revealed that the former TOWIE star wouldn’t appear in the next episode of the ITV skating show following the death.

January 31

Rufus Hound misses the live show due to coming into contact with someone with COVID-19.

Positive! Rufus Hound quit the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19

February 3 

Rufus Hound quits the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19. 

The comedian, 41, took to Twitter to announce the news. He posted an accompanying video message explaining why he regretfully had to withdraw from the ITV skating competition.

Show bosses confirmed that Rufus and his professional partner Robin Johnstone would be both be stepping down and replaced by Matt Richardson, 29, and his pro-skater partner Vicky Ogden.

They were voted out after just one performance. 

Tragedy! Billie Shepherd’s grandmother died, after which she suffered a concussion and had to pull out [pictured with pro Mark Hanretty]

February 6  

Billie Shepherd is forced to quit the show after suffering a concussion following a fall in training. 

The Mummy Diaries star, 31, reportedly went to hospital for an MRI scan after being left unconscious following the accident.

The next day, Billie shared a photo of herself with professional partner Mark Hanretty from their ‘first and last’ dance as she confirmed her exit.

An ITV representative also confirmed to MailOnline that Billie would not be replaced for the remainder of the competition. 

Next out! Joe-Warren Plant was the fourth celebrity forced to bow out after he tested positive for coronavirus

Crestfallen! The Emmerdale actor, 18, said he was ‘disappointed’ to not be able to continue with the show, while his skating partner Vanessa Bauer, 24, said she was ‘heartbroken’

February 12

Joe-Warren Plant becomes the fourth celebrity forced to bow out after he tested positive for coronavirus.

The Emmerdale actor, 18, said he was ‘disappointed’ to not be able to continue with the show, while his skating partner Vanessa Bauer, 24, said she was ‘heartbroken’.

The professional skater revealed the pair got the ‘shock’ phone call during rehearsals on Thursday evening and said they ‘both feel fine’.

February 14

Jason Donovan, 52, pulls out of the Valentine’s Day live show with the star being advised to rest after suffering from back pain.

The former Neighbours actor said in a statement: ‘I’ve had back pain the past couple of days and I’m under doctor’s orders to take it easy and sit this week out. 

‘I’m resting up, I’ll be watching from home and cheering everyone on and I look forward to returning next week.’

He sent a video message into the show wishing his fellow contestants luck for the episode. 

Painful! Jason Donovan, 52, pulled out of the Valentine’s Day live show with the star being advised to rest after suffering from back pain

Another one bites the dust! Hamish Gamin was forced to bow out after injuring his hand ‘whilst putting on a sock’

February 15

ITV announce that Dancing On Ice will not air on February 21, but will be back, live on February 28. 

The purpose of the break was to allow the stars a week off to give both cast and crew a chance to ‘recharge and rest up’.

In a statement from an ITV spokesperson, it was revealed that show bosses felt it ‘prudent to take a week’s break at this juncture’ to protect ‘the welfare of all of those involved.’

February 16

Pro skater Hamish Gaman quits what is increasingly being referred to as the ‘cursed’ show. 

Hamish, 37, is forced to bow out after injuring his hand ‘whilst putting on a sock’.

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition.

‘We thank him for all his hard work and wish him the very best as he takes some time out to allow his injury to fully heal.’

Faye remains in the competition but is instead partnered with Matt Evers, who was previously partnered with Denise Van Outen.   

Bye! An ITV spokesperson told MailOnlin – ‘Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition’

February 22

Jason Donovan quits the show after failing to recover from a back injury.

The Neighbours star, 52, had pulled out of the Valentine’s Day live episode to recover but on the advice of medics is not returning to the competition. 

He announced the news on Facebook, saying he’s ‘completely gutted’ to leave as he thanked his pro partner Alexandra Schauman for all her support. 

Jason said: ‘I am devastated to announce that due to this ongoing back issue which occurred on DOI about 10 days ago and at the advice of my medical team in the show that unfortunately I can’t continue the competition and therefore have to withdraw.    

‘It’s a nightmare and I’m completely gutted, we put so much work into getting to this point, but I have to respect my health and body moving forward and that’s my biggest priority.’

February 26

ITV confirmed that the show’s finale will now be taking place on Sunday March 14, instead of the original date of March 21

A spokesperson for the show said in a statement: ‘ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week. 

‘The competition’s final will now take place on Sunday 14th March. Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.

‘Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.’

Another exit: Jason Donovan quits the show after failing to recover from a back injury, announcing the news on Facebook (pictured with Alexandra Schauman in February)