Dancing On Ice bosses ‘are set to introduce tighter restrictions after FIVE crew members test positive for coronavirus ahead of opening night’
Five Dancing On Ice crew members have reportedly tested positive for coronavirus, it was claimed on Tuesday.
According to reports, show bosses are set to introduce stricter restrictions on set as a result of the outbreak so that the show can open as planned on Sunday night.
It was also claimed that crew members behind the scenes are concerned about others contracting COVID-19, but they are taking every precaution to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Outbreak: Dancing On Ice bosses ‘are set to introduce tighter restrictions after five crew members test positive for coronavirus’, it was reported on Tuesday (pictured Rebekah Vardy)
A source speaking to The Sun claimed: ‘More than five members of production are isolating because of Covid right now — it’s become a nightmare.’
The insider went on to say that stars have been urged to remain cautious after the virus hit several members of production, as they added: ‘They’re now enforcing even stricter regulations.
‘But while there are concerns about further people having to isolate, bosses are confident they have put all the precautions in place to safely be able to get the show on air.’
A spokesperson for the show told MailOnline: ‘The welfare of everyone who works on Dancing On Ice is our first priority.
Precaution: According to reports, bosses are introducing more rules and urging stars to be cautious so the show can begin on Sunday (pictured 2020 winner Joe Swash and Alex Murphy)
Worries: It was also claimed bosses are concerned about others contracting COVID-19, but they are taking every precaution to ensure this doesn’t happen (pictured Myleene Klass)
‘We have had a robust set of measures in place ever since work on the series commenced in order to operate safely within Covid-19 guidelines and to ensure the wellbeing of everyone connected with the production.’
The new series of Dancing On Ice will see the judges protected by perspex screens and no studio audience amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Images of the ITV show’s studios revealed large screens have been placed in front of the judges chairs to shield Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
Studio first look: The new series of Dancing On Ice will see the judges protected by perspex screens and there will be no studio audience amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Last year: The judges (Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean) sat closer together last year
The judging panel will also be sat far apart, keeping in line with social distancing measures.
For the first time in its history the studio at Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire will have no audience, a move mirroring that of Strictly Come Dancing.
The skating celebrities will also watch each other perform from socially-distanced tables to keep everyone safe from COVID-19.
Stars attempting to impress with their new-found skating abilities include Rebekah Vardy, Myleene Klass, Billie Faiers, Denise Van Outen, Sonny Jay and Jason Donovan.
Precautions: For the first time in its history the studio at Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire will have no audience, a move mirroring that of Strictly Come Dancing
New move: The skating celebrities will also watch each other perform from socially-distanced tables to keep everyone safe from COVID-19
In an attempt to keep things as safe as possible, ITV confirmed to MailOnline that they will place perplex dividers between the judges and also go without an audience at Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire.
Although not having members of the public to cheer them on, the star’s fellow contestants will sit spaced out in the audience to watch the show.
While a source told The Sun: ‘ITV showed they could do it with I’m A Celebrity and now they’re doing it again with Dancing On Ice.
‘They’ve made big changes to the studio, including the judging panel and audience, and hope this, as well as their daily vigilance, will be enough to keep it on air.’
Dancing On Ice 2021: Who are the celebrities?
MYLEENE KLASS
Age: 42
Profession: Musician and radio host
Myleene says: ‘My girls have always wanted me to do this but I’ve always been too scared someone will skate over my fingers!’
JASON DONOVAN
Age: 52
Profession: Actor and singer, best know for playing Scott Robinson in Neighbours
Jason says: ‘To be able to learn a skill and spend some time focused is quite exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys.’
FAYE BROOKES
Age: 33
Profession: Actress best known for her role as Kate Connor in Coronation Street
Faye says: ‘I’m so excited! The producers get to know you and this is the first time I think people are just going to see me, not being a character… Just being me – Faye!’
COLIN JACKSON
Age: 53
Profession: Former sprint and hurdling athlete, who has since carved out a career as a TV personality
Colin says: ‘You go out there, you enjoy yourself and you learn a new skill and to hone the skill of skating will just be a huge, huge plus. I’m looking forward to it.’
REBEKAH VARDY
Age: 38
Profession: TV personality
Rebekah says: ‘I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into that. I’m going to give my 100% effort for it all.’
RUFUS HOUND
Age: 41
Profession: Comedian
Rufus says: ‘I’m doing it for the money. I don’t know if you’ve heard but about six months ago this global pandemic hit and made just about everything I’ve ever done to earn a pound note disappear!’
DENISE VAN OUTEN
Age: 46
Profession: Performer and presenter, best known for The Big Breakfast
Denise says: ‘I’m really excited. Finally, I get to tell people. I’ve kept this a secret from most of my friends and family. Betsy [her daughter] doesn’t even know….’
SONNY JAY
Age: 27
Profession: Singer and radio presenter, best known for his daily Breakfast Show on Capital Radio
Sonny says: ‘I don’t want to fall over, not in front of the nation. I don’t want to be a meme the next day!’
JOE-WARREN PLANT
Age: 18
Profession: Actor best known for his role as Jacob Gallagher in Emmerdale
Joe-Warren says: ‘I’m super excited. I’m glad I have the time off Emmerdale to really focus on training…’
GRAHAM BELL
Age: 54
Profession: Former Olympic skier, who is also a TV presenter, adventurer and journalist
Graham says: ‘Ice doesn’t scare me, it’s the dancing… [My experience was confined to] ‘dancing on tables, wearing ski boots in après ski. It’s not graceful and elegant!’
LADY LESHURR
Age: 30
Profession: Rapper
Lady says: ‘I’m petrified, (but) I’ve always wanted to ice skate so what’s better than doing it in front of millions of people.’
Billie Faiers
Age: 30
Profession: Television personality
Billie says: ‘I am soooo excited to announce that I will be taking part. I still can’t believe I am actually doing it!!’