Joe-Warren Plant forced to QUIT Dancing On Ice

He's tested positive for Covid-19

Author: Alex RossPublished 12th Feb 2021
Last updated 12th Feb 2021

Just one week after Rufus Hound was forced to quit this year's Dancing On Ice after testing positive for Covid-19, Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant and his professional partner Vanessa Bauer have been left in the same situation.

In a statement released by the actor, Joe-Warren said, “Having tested positive for Covid this now means the end of the competition for Vanessa and I.

"I have loved every minute of being a part of Dancing On Ice and I am disappointed as I feel I had so much more to give and was working hard to perfect each performance. Thank you so much to Vanessa for being a fantastic teacher and although its been cut short, I've thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Thank you to all the crew who have been brilliant and especially thanks to the other cast members, they have been hugely supportive and I wish them all the very best.”

Vanessa, who won the show in 2018 with X Factor star Jake Quickenden, later added, "Unfortunately, we have received positive test results for Covid which means we cannot continue to compete this year.

"Joe-Warren has been growing every week into such a talented skater and I'm so sad we won't be able to show more of the great routines we had planned. I am beyond proud and devastated, as we had so much more to show, he was the hardest working partner I’ve ever had."

An ITV spokesperson also confirmed the news, adding, "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."

Check out all of the past Dancing On Ice winners below:

Gaynor Faye - 2006

Emmerdale actress Gaynor Faye won the first ever series of Dancing On Ice alongside her professional ice skating partner Daniel Whiston, under the watchful eye of judges Robin Cousins, Karen Barber, Nicky Slater, Jason Gardiner and Karen Kresge.

Kyran Bracken - 2007

Rugby player Kyran Bracken won the show - and the hearts of viewers - in the second series. Beating Clare Buckfield in the final showdown, Kyran won with his professional partner Melanie Lambert.

Suzanne Shaw - 2008

Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw won the 2008 series with professional ice skater Matt Evers. Both of their final performances scored a perfect 30/30, which was the first time that had happened on the show, beating runner-up Chris Fountain.

Ray Quinn - 2009 & 2014

X Factor star-turned-Broadway star Ray Quinn won the show in 2009 alongside his professional partner Maria Filippov. The couple beat journalist Donal MacIntyre and his partner Florentine Houdinière with their final performance. He also won the returners' series in 2014.

Hayley Tamaddon - 2010

Corrie and** Emmerdale actress Hayley won with second-time winner Daniel Whiston, beating Hollyoaks star Gary Lucy to the top spot. She also made it to the final of the returners' show in 2014, finishing second to Ray Quinn.

Sam Attwater - 2011

EastEnders actor Sam Attwater won the coveted prize of first place in 2011 wth his partner Brianne Delcourt, beating TV presenter Laura Hamilton. The pair also returned for the 2014 series, but finished fourth.

Matthew Wolfenden - 2012

Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden won the 2012 series with his professional ice skating partner Nina Ulanova, beating fellow soap star Jorgie Porter to the top. This was also the year that Louie Spence joined the judging panel, if you remember...

Beth Tweddle - 2013

Olympic champion gymnast Beth Tweddle won the 2013 series alongside her partner Daniel Whiston in his THIRD win on the show. She beat EastEnders actor Matt Lapinskas and his partner Brianne Delcourt, and came third in the 2014 returners' series with Łukasz Różycki.

Jake Quickenden - 2018

Former The X Factor star Jake Quickenden was the clear winner for the revived series of Dancing On Ice in 2018, winning the show with his partner Vanessa Bauer.

James Jordan - 2019

Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan swapped the ballroom for the ice in 2019, and he showed off his amazing moves alongside skating partner Alexandra Schauman.


James beat Love Island star Wes Nelson and former X Factor contestant Saara Aalto in the final.

Joe Swash - 2020

Perhaps the most surprising result in Dancing On Ice history! Joe Swash and his pro partner Alex Murphy were crowned the 2020 winners beating Diversity star Perri Kiely in the final.

Sonny Jay - 2021

After the most chaotic series in Dancing On Ice history, which saw five celebs have to quit the show, Sonny Jay was crowned the winner ahead of Colin Jackson and Corrie actress Faye Brookes.

Regan Gascoigne - 2022

Paul Gascoigne's son Regan Gascoigne was crowned the 2022 winner of Dancing On Ice, in perhaps the most competitive final in history! Regan and his pro partner Karina Manta were up against Brendan Cole and Kimberley Wyatt in the final.

Nile Wilson - 2023

After a tense final alongside Joey Essex and The Vivienne in March 2023, gymnast Nile Wilson was crowned the 2023 winner with his professional partner Olivia Smart.

Ryan Thomas - 2024

Former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas and his partner Amani Fancy were crowned the winners of series 16 during the final on Sunday 10th March 2024. Ryan received the most public votes during a tense final with Miles Nazaire and Vanessa Bauer and Adele Roberts and Mark Hanretty.




As well as Joe and Rufus being forced to leave the competition after testing positive for Covid-19, a number of other celebs have had to pull out of the competition.

Denise van Outen and Billie Faiers have both had to leave after picking up injuries, with Amy Tinkler and Matt Richardson being drafted in to replace them.

Dancing On Ice continues every Sunday night with hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

Now read:

Rufus Hound will return for final performance

Dancing On Ice pro suffers horrifying injury after 'freak accident'

Denise Van Outen forced to quit

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