Dancing On Ice professional skater Robin Johnstone is alleged to have been left “upset” with her celebrity skating partner Rufus Hound.
The ITV star is said to be finding old tweets from the comedian “hard to stomach”.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Rufus had used the word “r****d” in an historic tweet, as well as calling Ed Sheeran a “gay lord” and tweeted the n-word in 2012.
According to insiders, Robin finds the historic posts outrageous but is trying to keep things professional.
An insider said: “Robin is all about empowering women and being positive and it’s been tough for her to stomach.
“His comments have been outrageous.”
The situation is said to have spooked ITV producers so much that bosses are in talks with presenter Matt Richardson to add him to the hit ITV show instead of Rufus.
Robin is said to have been left ‘upset’ by Rufus’ old tweets (Image: ITV)
Rufus, who is currently battling coronavirus, is yet to comment on the old tweets in which he insinuated former Prime Minster Theresa May had a hand in the Manchester Arena bombing.
A source added to The Sun: “Bosses are panicking that Rufus is bad for the show and his comments have upset Robin [Johnstone] and some of the other pros.
Rufus is currently suffering from Covid (Image: ITV)
“They are a diverse and multicultural bunch and it’s embarrassing and disappointing that someone who makes these insensitive jokes is allowed on the show.”
Daily Star has contacted ITV for comment.
Taking to Twitter on Friday, Rufus decided not to respond to the backlash and instead updated his supporters on his coronavirus battle.
Rufus, 41, wrote: “I’ve had Covid.
“Isolated when I knew I’d come into contact with it, tested five days later, am coming to the end of having had it, luckily v mild case.”
Matt Richardson is said to be being lined up to join Dancing On Ice (Image: Getty Images)
A spokesperson for ITV added: “Rufus Hound came into contact with someone outside of the show who tested positive for Covid 19.
“This means, following government guidelines, he is currently isolating. We are hoping to welcome him back to the ice soon.”
ITV are yet to comment on claims Matt Richardson, 29, is being lined up to join the show.
Despite the growing backlash, earlier this week conflicting reports claimed that ITV were “refusing to axe” Rufus over his old tweets.
Insiders claimed that while the tweets have been “quietly condemned” he “won’t be kicked off the show”.
The situation mirrors that of YouTuber Jack Maynard who was pulled out of the I’m A Celeb jungle in 2017 after old tweets emerged of him making homophobic and racial slurs.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
