Dancing on Ice has hit been by a major blow after one of this year’s contestants, former S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt, has seemingly “pulled out” of the opportunity to rejoin her co-stars at this weekend’s finale.
Spearritt, 42, has reportedly “snubbed” the traditional reunion after being left "disappointed" by her early exit back in week two.
Speaking to GB News, an insider revealed: “Show bosses would love Hannah to be a part of Sunday's final and skate alongside the other cast members of 2024 but as yet, have not received confirmation from Hannah or her reps that she will be taking part in the show.”
The singer was partnered with pro skater Andy Buchanan but was visibly devastated when her skating journey came to a halt just two weeks into the series.
Her exit even caused outrage among fans who thought a new twist introduced by the show meant Spearritt would be “guaranteed” to leave that week.
The usual skate-off, which determines which of the couples exit the show by pitting the two with the fewest votes against each other for a final skate, was removed and whoever had the least amount of votes was immediately sent home instead.
The series contestants are set to return for the final show
ITV
While fans fumed about the change, they were proved right as Spearritt became the casualty of the rink.
Host Holly Willoughby offered her condolences to the pop star, stating: “I'm so sorry, I don't think any of us wanted to let you go at this point."
Reports emerged soon after that she was "heartbroken" by the exit - something safe to assume given she's giving the celebratory finale reunion a miss.
At the time, the mother-of-two admitted she’d been “disappointed” to leave so early into the series.
She also suffered a fall shortly before the live show, a fear shared by all Dancing on Ice contestants.
Spearritt isn't expected to be present at the finale of Dancing on Ice
ITV
Meanwhile, the criticisms over the show format continue to pile up as last week’s semi-final saw several fans making the same complaint on social media.
The semi-finalists didn’t need their ice skates last Sunday as they took part in "flying week".
The instalment saw each celebrity contestant dangling above the ice to "fly" smoothly with their dance partner, occasionally lifting them up with them so the pair were both gliding above the ice.
It didn’t take long for viewers to question the theme, with many pointing out the week involved very little skating.
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Dancing On Ice's finale airs this weekend
ITV
Others complained the show had been “a fix,” after Amber Davies received the top score of 40.
However, she was voted out later in the show, admitting she “knew it was coming”.
This weekend’s show will see the rest of the series contestants back for a final skate and to support the finalists, Miles Nazaire and Vanessa Bauer, Greg Rutherford and Vanessa James, Adele Roberts and Mark Hanretty, and Ryan Thomas and Amani Fancy.