Josh Jones shares real reason behind ITV Dancing on Ice exit as he breaks silence on withdrawal
Josh Jones has spoken out for the first time since he was forced to quit this year’s Dancing on Ice.
Partnered with Tippy Packard, the comedian took to the ice for the first time in Week Two and has secured his spot in Sunday’s Movie Week thanks to the public vote.
But just hours before the film-themed extravaganza kicked off, DOI bosses announced Jones and Packard wouldn’t be able to compete due to an injury sustained by the comedian.
“Josh Jones sustained an injury during rehearsals and has had to withdraw from Dancing on Ice,” the statement began.
“Josh and Tippy’s partnership will be greatly missed. We will be helping to support Josh and wish him well with his recovery.”
Jones avoided issuing a statement of his own or breaking cover on social media following the announcement but he did join Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern during Sunday’s show to delve into the reason he had to say goodbye.
“Gutted that you’re out the competition. What actually happened?” Mulhern asked.
“So we were skating and then I went over on my ankle and I kinda like twisted my ankle,” Jones answered as Willoughby gasped: “Oh, my gosh!”
Jones continued: “I’m annoyed because I’ve got a cold sore as well so I’ve got a lump on my lip and my ankle!
Mulhern brought up the fact ITV viewers had voted for Jones last week to make sure he’d secured a spot in Movie Week before his injury.
“The thing is, it’s the audience who kept you in last week. Do you want to say anything to them?” Mulhern asked.
Jones gave a thumbs up to the camera as he replied: “Thank you very much. You’ve got weird taste but I appreciate it!”
Willoughby then chipped in: “Well listen, the saddest thing about this is this partnership.
“Because last week we were seeing real promise, everybody was loving it and you looked like you were having a great time…”
Jones agreed: “Yeah, that’s the saddest bit because we get on so much, like she’s been to my house, I’ve cooked her a roast, we spent New Year’s (Eve) together as well.”
Willoughby then asked Packard for her thoughts on their exit. “He could’ve brought so many laughs to the competition and it’s a shame that we won’t get to see that journey,” Packard said.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Kai Widdrington makes stance clear on Wynne Evans ‘sexual jibe’ saga as Strictly star offers supportLinda Robson, 66, breaks silence on Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis with heartbreaking statementJonathan Ross, 64, faces calls to resign as ITV The Masked Singer fans fume over ‘unfunny’ habit
Despite Jones and Packard leaving early, the show still said goodbye to another couple following the public vote.
Elsewhere, Willoughby’s outfit choice for the evening caused quite a stir among ITV viewers watching at home.
In keeping with Movie Week, the ITV presenting duo channeled their inner Glinda and Elphaba from the musical Wicked.
However, some fans felt Willoughby’s low-cut dress may not have been the most suitable for a “family show”.