Dancing On Ice star Sean Rice dies aged 49

Dancing On Ice star Sean Rice has died aged 49 (Pictures: ITV / Rex)

Dancing On Ice star Sean Rice has died, aged 49.

The Canadian professional ice skater took part on the ITV competition in 2011 and 2012, and was a firm favourite with fans.

He also competed in the World Championships with his wife and fellow professional skater Jodeyne Higgins, who he shares daughter Signey with.

Close friends confirmed that he died on January 14.

Skater and close friend Frankie Poultney shared the sad news on social media.

‘Pro skaters are heartbroken today, we lost a true larger than life great – an epic skater, a husband, father, and my friend of 20 years,’ Frankie tweeted alongside a video of Rice performing on the ice.

Sean Rice competed on Dancing On Ice in 2011 and 2012 (Picture: ITV)

‘Sean Rice, 20/07/72 – 14/01/22 gone too soon, but we will Love You For A Thousand Years. 

‘All of our thoughts are with Signey and Jodeyne.’

Quoting her post, DOI legend Matt Evers paid tribute to the late star, posting: ‘One of the best… thank you Sean for your gift. This routine from The Professionals on Ice was incredible. 

‘It was a pleasure to know and work with you.’

‘We are all deeply saddened to hear this news,’ a spokesperson for Dancing On Ice told the Mirror.

‘Sean was a wonderful skater and friend to many on the Dancing On Ice team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.’

Rice appeared as a professional skater on the ITV series in 2011, where he was paired with newsreader Angela Rippon.

He returned to the rink the following year with Chemmy Alcott.

A fundraiser page was set up on Saturday in the late star’s honour, to make sure his wife and daughter are properly looked after.

‘In Memory of Sean Rice,’ a message read. ‘The world has lost a great man – a coach, son, friend, husband and poppa bear. It’s with immense sadness to say that Sean Rice has passed away.

‘Sean was a passionate, larger than life man who would stop and give to anyone who needed him. It’s with that same spirit, we are reaching out to everyone to pour prayers and love over Jodeyne and Signey during this very difficult time.

‘So many people have reached out asking how they can help and so we have set up this go fund account to support Jodeyne and Signey at this time. Let’s take care of them the same way Sean always took care of others.’

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