Rufus Hound out of 'Dancing On Ice' after contracting the coronavirus

Rufus Hound has quit Dancing On Ice after testing positive for the coronavirus.

The comedian, 41, had already been self-isolating after coming into contact with someone with the virus.

And he has now confirmed that after contracting COVID-19 himself he is hanging up his skates, which he admitted “sucks”.

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Addressing his fans in a video on YouTube, Hound said: “I will no longer be participating in Dancing On Ice.

"Unfortunately, having come into contact with somebody with COVID and then isolating, it transpired I myself had COVID so I have dealt with that and quarantined and the like.”

“The rules on Dancing On Ice are completely cut and dry, very strict, because they need to keep everybody on that production as safe as possible," he said.

"So it seemed like when I was just quarantining, there might be a window of opportunity for me to be able to get back to the show, a window which I now know doesn't exist."

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The star - who made headlines when he called out the government for its lack of support over free school meal vouchers in his debut on the celebrity skating show - also thanked his professional skating partner Robin Johnstone.

He said the skater was a real “pal”.

Hound will now be replaced by comedian Matt Richardson, who will be skating with Vicky Ogden in the ITV competition.

ITV tweeted after the news: “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 is not the first contestant to exit this year’s competition.

Read more: Billie Faiers to miss Dancing On Ice after family bereavement

TV star Denise van Outen recently pulled out after breaking her shoulder in three places on the show.

Dancing On Ice airs on ITV on Sundays.

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