Dancing On Ice’s Vanessa Bauer feels ‘stabbed in the back’ after being banned from returning to series

Dancing On Ice’s Vanessa Bauer feels ‘stabbed in the back’ after ITV announced she and her partner Joe-Warren Plant ‘can never return’ to this year’s series.

It had been widely speculated that the duo could come back to the show after testing positive for coronavirus. given that bosses were forced to take the show off air for one week for the welfare of the cast and crew.

However, Vanessa was told just two days ago that she and Joe are not allowed to return to the rink.

According to sources, the professional skater was left ‘absolutely devastated’ by the decision.

‘She was training with Joe at a rink on Friday morning to be ready for their return when they got the call,’ an insider close to the star said.  ‘After the initial shock wore off Vanessa couldn’t hide her upset.

‘She said she was confused as she was so sure they were going back.’

The source continued to The Sun: ‘Vanessa wants a meeting to discuss what happened as it all feels a bit rushed. She said she felt she was being stitched up with Joe.

‘She’s heard talk of favouritism and has been privy to hearsay about the other contestants moaning about it.

‘It feels a bit like they’ve been stabbed in the back.’

Vanessa and Joe were forced to drop out of the competition earlier this month due to coronavirus.

Joe-Warren, 18, said he was ‘disappointed’ as he felt he ‘had so much more to give’, while Vanessa, 24, said: ‘I am beyond proud and devastated, as we had so much more to show.’

They both went into isolation for 10 days at a hotel, neither experiencing symptoms of coronavirus.

ITV said at the time: ‘We can confirm that following positive Covid tests, Joe-Warren Plant and Vanessa Bauer have had to withdraw from this year’s competition.

‘They’ve been wonderful on the show this year and we thank them for all their dedication and beautiful performances.’

This year’s series of Dancing On Ice has been cut short following multiple injuries and drop outs.

A rep for ITV said: ‘ITV has taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week. The competition’s final will now take place on Sunday 14th March.

‘Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times. Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Vanessa’s rep for comment, while ITV declined.

Dancing On Ice returns tonight at 6pm on ITV.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.