'Dancing on Ice' bosses have banned spray tans over Covid fears.
Denise Van Outen
Producers of the ITV skating competition are trying to limit the number of people the celebrities - who include Rebekah Vardy, Myleene Klass and Denise Van Outen - come into contact with, and as a result the contestants will have to apply self-tan themselves instead of visiting a professional.
A show source told The Sun newspaper: “Unfortunately the tanning experts have got the cut due to the reduction in numbers of those on set. Every celebrity, and indeed pro skater, will be sent a big old supply so they can put it on at home. But given they’re not exactly experts - especially some of the blokes - the make-up team on the show will fill any missed gaps.”
It comes after show bosses insisted the welfare of the contestants and the crew members on the show are their "first priority", and admitted there has been a "robust set of measures in place" since working began on the show.
An ITV spokesman said: "The welfare of everyone who works on 'Dancing On Ice' is our first priority.
"We have had a robust set of measures in place ever since work on the series commenced to ensure the wellbeing of everyone connected with the production."
But there has already been an injury among the stars before the new series - which begins on Sunday (17.01.21) - has started, after pro skater Yebin Mok suffered a "freak accident" this week.
She was training with her celebrity partner, former Olympic skier Graham Bell, when one of his blades went into her shin, slashing muscles and leaving her needing an operation.
After she went under the knife, Yebin wrote on Instagram: "Absolutely gutted I won’t be able to skate on @dancingonice with Graham these couple of weeks.
Graham and I had a freak accident during our practice on Monday where his blade went into my shin.
Such unlucky timing but also counting my lucky stars as I cut through the muscles, and not nerves, bone, vessels or tendons! How I didn’t cut any of that they say is a miracle.
Just insanely bummed about not being able to showcase Graham’s amazing journey together after such long hard months of training, but I know he’s in great hands with @karinamanta to step in until I can get back on the ice, and I know he’s a fighter so he will do all he can to do his very best!
Continue to vote for @skigraham and Karina! I’ll just be a nervous mom at the side of the rink with multiple devices to vote for them
I’ll do my very best to heal and recover as quickly as I can with our physio, Sharon who is the best of the best, and if anyone can get me on the ice, it’s her! And I’ll be ready to skate with Graham if the fate allows it, so keep voting for him and here’s to hoping for the best on this unexpected bumpy road. (sic)"
Tagged in Denise Van Outen Myleene Klass