Dancing On Ice professional skater Hamish Gaman has announced that he won’t be returning for the 2022 series because the producers ‘wanted to freshen up the line-up’ of the ITV show.
In a statement shared on social media, Hamish, 38, who has been a part of the skating competition since 2018, explained that he was ‘completely surprised’ when he found out the news, leaving him feeling ‘confused’.
‘Hi everyone. I’m sad to confirm that I’m not returning to Dancing On Ice this year. The producers told me that they weren’t bringing me back because they wanted to freshen up the lineup,’ he wrote in his statement.
‘I was completely surprised by their decision and I’ve been left confused and struggling to make sense of everything that’s happened.’
Hamish continued, explaining that he and fellow Dancing On Ice pro Vanessa Bauer are still skating partners, and he feels ‘devastated’ that they won’t be able to skate together on the programme in future.
‘Thank you for all of your love and support during my time on the show. I’m going to miss skating for you,’ he added.
A few days ago, Vanessa posted on Instagram writing in the caption how excited she was to be returning for her fifth season, stating: ‘I’m forever grateful to be part of the most amazing show that lets me choreograph, perform, teach… that simply lets me shine to the fullest among great people.’
She commented underneath Hamish’s announcement on Instagram, writing: ‘I’ll miss you so much. Keep being you and I look forward to skating with you still.’
Several of Hamish’s fans expressed their sadness over his departure from Dancing On Ice, with one saying they were ‘gutted’.
‘I absolutely loved watching you skate, you’re so gifted at what you do! A huge loss for the show and for the regular viewers who loved to watch you skate! Wishing you all the very best in the future!’ they wrote.
Someone else tweeted: ‘Well that’s me switching off this year. The producers have made a huge mistake. I don’t understand their logic. Best of luck in whatever you do, I’ll support you whatever.’
One fan said that in their opinion, the decision ‘really doesn’t make sense’, saying that Hamish is ‘fresh talent’.
‘What on earth is going on. You are brilliant and they should bring you back,’ they remarked.
Earlier this year, Hamish was forced to leave Dancing On Ice prematurely due to injury, resulting in his celebrity partner Faye Brookes being repartnered with Matt Evers.
He pulled out of the show after snapping a tendon in his hand, in a series plagued by numerous injuries and accidents among the line-up.
Metro.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.
Dancing On Ice is set to return in 2022.
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