Dancing on Ice fans were left gutted after two show favourites announced they had quit.
The show has seen a revival of interest after the series returned to our screens back in 2018. The upcoming series of the show is being finalised, but already fans will be disappointed, after two professionals confirmed it would be their last.
Fans have been thrilled to watch as celebrities take to the ice in the hopes of becoming the champion of the high-risk dance show. Next year’s show is already taking shape, with celebrities including Ferne McCann and Chris Taylor getting ready to show their skating skills.
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But just weeks before the first instalment of the new series, it has been confirmed that two of the show’s professional dancers are leaving. Mark Hanretty and Brendyn Hatfield both revealed through their own channels that they would not be seen on the 2026 edition of the show.
(Image: Evening Gazette)
Mark has been a part of the show since he first joined back in 2011. After some time off when the show was revived in 2018, Mark confirmed that he would be featuring in the most recent series of the show, and would eventually be paired with DJ and Big Brother star Adele Roberts.
In a statement he released on his social media on Tuesday (October 29), Mark said he was “excited” to get stuck into his 12th series of the show, thanking everyone for letting him take part in “the greatest show on ice” more. However, he added upon his return that changes would be ahead for him.
“This will be my last year as a pro skater and I’m eager to soak up every second of it!” he explained. “Good luck to all the team and here’s to a fantastic series.”
(Image: PA)
Fans were shocked to learn of his decision to leave the show, with one fan eagerly penning: “No you’re leaving Must get you that win then!” Whilst a second user added: “Hope you’re sticking with the DOI family though – with your expertise and choreography, you’d be good alongside Karen and Dan.”
Similarly, Brendyn confirmed that this upcoming season of the show will also be his final time competing on the show as a professional. Brendyn has been in six different editions of the show, and was thrilled to announce his participation, although it was tinged with sadness.
“Here we go!” he wrote in a post on his own Instagram account. “Excited to be back for my 6th and final season of Dancing On Ice Let’s make this one the best one!”
(Image: PA)
More fans were left bereft at his decision to leave the show, with one fan writing: “So excited to see you back for another series, but sad to hear it’s your last one. Hope it’s your best series yet.”
“Gutted it’s your final series. But I’ll never stop supporting you, you are the best,” typed another, alongside a heart-hands emoji, an ice skate and a white heart.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
