Dancing On Ice’s Jason Donovan ‘devastated’ after being forced to quit show after ‘nightmare’ back injury

JASON Donovan has been forced to quit Dancing on Ice after failing to
recover from his back injury in time.

Neighbours star Jason, 52, missed the ITV show over a week ago with
bosses hoping their big money signing would be fit enough to return this
weekend.

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But he was in too much pain today, and had to tell bosses he could no
longer skate in the hit show.

He told fans in a video on Facebook: "I am devastated to announce that due to this ongoing back issue that occurred on Dancing On Ice about ten days ago and at the advice of my medical team in the show that unfortunately I can't continue in 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 I have to respect my body moving forward. That is my biggest priority.

"I want to thank everyone at Dancing On Ice - the judges, Phil, Holly, the production team, the runners, and most importantly within that I want to thank the celebrities who have become friends and also the pros who just do such a great job with us all.

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"I want to thank the fans for voting for me - sometimes those costumes were colourful and sometimes those moves were dubious but we tried and went out there and gave it our best."

It means that despite producers for the show pausing the entire
programme for a week so that he could rest, it was in vain.

It also leaves producers of the show back at square one in terms of
numbers with five famous faces being forced to withdraw this series
alone, with no more back-ups available to call upon.

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A source said: "It's just utter carnage this year.

"There's injuries left right and centre, and Covid on top of that. No one could have foreseen this level of drop outs."

The latest withdrawal comes after show favourite Joe-Warren Plant and
partner Vanessa Bauer were forced to quit after they both tested
positive for coronavirus.

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Bosses are now planning to invite them back to fill the void.

Before that, West End star Denise Van Outen had to withdraw due to a
broken shoulder.

Towie’s Billie Shepherd quit after a heavy fall on the ice, and Rufus
Hound was booted after also testing positive for coronavirus for a
second time.

Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes, 33, is now the bookies
favourite to triumph.