ITV has confirmed that Rufus Hound has been forced to drop out of Dancing On Ice after testing positive for coronavirus.
The comedian had already missed the last two live shows, having been told to self-isolate for 10 days after coming into contact with someone who was COVID-positive.
Hound was due to return to the ice with pro partner Robin Johnstone this weekend but has now been disqualified after returning a positive test himself.
In a statement on Twitter, ITV said: "We can confirm that following a positive test result, @RufusHound is unable to return to Dancing On Ice this weekend. Although Rufus and his partner @IceJohnstone's time on the ice has been all too brief, they can be truly proud of their achievements.
"We thank them for all their hard work and commitment to the show. When the full cast reunite for the series final our hope is @RufusHound will be able to be back in the studio with everyone."
Hound added: "I will no longer be participating in @dancingonice. COVID is - as I'm sure we're all well aware - a bastard and sadly the world isn't short of those."
ITV had previously resisted pressure to axe Hound for a series of questionable historic tweets, including one in which he suggested that former Prime Minister Theresa May could have had some part in the Manchester bombings.
Hound becomes the second contestant to pull out of this year's series after Denise van Outen withdrew from the competition last week due to injury.
ITV has yet to confirm whether Hound will be replaced in the lineup, with comedian DJ Matt Richardson thought to be waiting in the wings as a back-up.
Neil Wilkes
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