Brendan Cole and Brendyn Hatfield are struggling during Dancing on Ice training, as they get prepared for the weekend.
Brendan asked to be partnered with professional skater Brendyn after his professional skating partner Vanessa Bauer was forced to pull out of the show this weekend after testing positive for Covid.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star has been given extended rehearsal time to build a rapport with his new partner, Brendyn.
In an interview with The Sun, the show’s creative director Dan Whiston said: “I’ve spent extra time with Brendan and Brendyn, we’ve extended rehearsal sessions because it’s really hard for them to suddenly start a brand new skating relationship, they don’t know each other on the ice and how they work but they’ve gelled really well.”
He added: “So far they have been struggling with the ‘sliding lunge’. It’s difficult because one of them will be taking the other one’s weight and they have to slide horizontally across the ice with one of them holding the other up.
“It is a lift in fact and it’s sliding so there is a lot of body control needed and it’s going at super speed so it’s challenging.”
ITV confirmed Vanessa will be missing Sunday’s show in a statement, saying: “Unfortunately, Vanessa Bauer is unable to skate this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19.
“We look forward to Vanessa returning to the competition soon.”
Vanessa told of her disappointment about having to miss the show in a statement.
She said: “I’m disappointed that I have tested positive for Covid and won’t be able to perform with Brendan for Musicals Week. But I am excited that Brendan gets to skate and challenge himself with an incredible fellow pro and friend in Brendyn.
(Image: ITV)
“I have no doubt they will absolutely smash this Sunday. I’m looking forward to returning to the competition to showcase more creative routines!”
Brendan said he has been left devastated by the news but is excited about pairing up with male pro Brendyn.
He said: “I am absolutely gutted that Vanessa is unable to skate this weekend. I know she would have put together another fantastic routine. However, and with Vanessa’s blessing I’ve been given an amazing opportunity to create something fantastic for Musicals Week with Brendyn. He’s an exceptionally talented skater and I have no doubt we will be able to create something really special for the show! I can’t thank him enough for stepping in.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
