23 October 2023 , 07:18
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Dancing On Ice announced fan-favourite professional skater Matt Evers is among three stars leaving the ITV programme.
The show recently confirmed its line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series. Returning to the show are Vanessa Bauer, Colin Grafton, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Sylvain Longchambon and Tippy Packard. Andy Buchanan and Robin Johnstone will also be returning.
However, Matt revealed his departure from the show after an incredible 15 series. He has been part of the line-up since the first series in 2006. Other stars, including Alexandra Schauman and Łukasz Różycki, will also be taking some time away from the series. Viewers will also be introduced to a few new faces.
Four new skaters will be showing off their talents in the 2024 series, including two-time British national champion Amani Fancy, six-time French national champion and Olympian Vanessa James, German and Czech national champion Annette Dytrt and Armenian national champion Simon Senecal.
Matt Evers is leaving the show (PA)
He has been part of the line-up since the first series (Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) Speaking about his departure, Matt told The Sun: "I've had some incredible partners over the years and we have created some fantastic TV moments! I mean who can forget that fall from Gemma, or the wardrobe malfunction from Pamela!"
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It comes after it was revealed a contestant had to pull out of the next series due to an injury. Gogglebox's Stephen Webb sustained the injury during training. Stephen's exit being announced by ITV comes just days on from the former Gogglebox star being unveiled as the seventh celebrity to join the 2024 Dancing On Ice line-up.
A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice said today: "Stephen Lustig-Webb has had to withdraw from the show due to an injury he sustained to his ankle during training. He is still very much a part of the Dancing On Ice family, we will be helping to support Stephen and we wish him well with his recovery."
Stephen Webb recently pulled out of the competition (ITV)Stephen said he was "excited" and "really nervous" on October 3, as his place in the Dancing On Ice line-up was revealed on ITV show Lorraine. Chatting with the Scottish TV presenter, Stephen confessed: "I'm really excited, really nervous, I just want to get out there now. I start really soon – I've got my masterclass next week with Torvill and Dean with the other celebs and the week after I start full-time training."
The formerChannel 4star went on to add: "The last time I was on the ice I think I was 14 (years old) so almost 40 years ago. I have been back on the ice since just for a quick spin around, I didn't fall over so that was a good thing!"
Stephen was the seventh celebrity to be announced for Dancing on Ice, joining the previously announced World Champion Boxer Ricky Hatton MBE, actress Claire Sweeney, actress and singer Hannah Spearritt, West End star Amber Davies and Olympic Champion and presenter Greg Rutherford MBE and TV personality Miles Nazaire.
Dancing on Ice is back on ITV1, STV and ITVX in 2024.