The ITV’s popular ice skating competition, Dancing On Ice, is facing a series of setbacks as another celebrity contestant has been forced to withdraw due to injury. This latest blow comes shortly after another professional skater had to pull out, raising concerns about the challenges faced by participants in this demanding show.
Hosted by the dynamic duo Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, Dancing on Ice is scheduled to continue its run this Sunday (February 9th). However, the show will proceed without Olympic gold medalist Ed Radford, who was partnered with actress Charlie Brooks, known for her role as Janine in EastEnders.
Due to an unfortunate injury, Radford has had to step back from the competition. Brooks will now be skating with Brendyn Hatfield, a replacement partner who has stepped in at short notice. This last-minute change means Brooks and Hatfield have had limited time to train together, adding extra pressure as they prepare for their performance.
Brooks expressed her disappointment and concern about the sudden change. “Eric had an injury in his back, and then his quad wasn’t firing properly. He’s having to undergo an MRI and has been advised to take this week off the ice, which is incredibly disheartening,” she shared. “It’s such a shame – he’s my number one partner, and I feel lost without him.”
Despite the setback, Brooks is trying to maintain a positive outlook. “I’m trying to be optimistic and see this as an exciting opportunity to skate with someone new,” she added. “It will be nice to get to know Brendyn a little bit.” However, her loyalty to her original partner remains strong as she affirmed, “I will be skating for Eric this weekend, 100 percent, and I want to make him proud.” Brooks also voiced her hope for a future opportunity to skate with Radford again, emphasizing the strong bond they had formed, saying, “I just hope that this won’t mean me and Eric never dance again. It feels so dramatic, but I have truly loved every moment with him, and I wouldn’t want our journey to end like this.”
Dancing on Ice partners Charlie Brooks and Ed Radford smiling on the ice rink before Radford's injury forced a cast change.
‘Dancing on Ice’s Charlie Brooks and Ed Radford (ITV)
Radford’s injury-related withdrawal follows closely on the heels of Vanessa Bauer’s exit from this year’s series. Bauer, a seasoned professional on Dancing on Ice, was forced to withdraw just hours before the previous week’s live show. She sustained a significant injury backstage, tearing a ligament and suffering sprains, which prevented her from performing with Love Island star Chris Taylor.
The 2025 season of Dancing on Ice seems to be particularly plagued by injuries. Just last month, comedian Josh Jones had to withdraw from the competition due to an ankle injury. Prior to the season’s launch, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey also had to step down after fracturing her ankle weeks before the first episode was aired.
These multiple injuries highlight the demanding nature of Dancing on Ice and the physical risks involved in the intense training and performances required for the show. As Dancing on Ice continues to air on Sundays on ITV, viewers will be watching to see how these cast changes and injury challenges will affect the rest of the series.
