Michael Barrymore forced to quit Dancing on Ice, and already has a replacement

18 December 2019, 12:14

Michael Barrymore has been forced to pull out of next year's Dancing on Ice due to injury.

The 67-year-old comic broke his hand in training, and has now been replaced by Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya.

It was revealed on Tuesday (December 17) that Barrymore's involvement in the ITV show was in doubt, after he explained about having a series of falls in rehearsals.

An insider told The Sun: "It's a real shame for Michael as he was hoping this would be his big comeback, but after his injury there is no way he could continue. 

"Radzi is now going to have to get up to speed really quickly to get ready for the series which is now only weeks away."

The 2020 Dancing On Ice will see John Barrowman join Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and Ashley Banjo on the judging panel, while Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby return as hosts.

Barrymore previously spoke of his delight at joining the DOI line up, saying: "I'm delighted to say that I'll be joining the Dancing on Ice line up for 2020.

"I'm looking forward to meeting Holly and Phil. I'm very excited...it's performance time!"

Dancing on Ice returns to ITV in January.