A 'Dancing On Ice' married couple have left the show, citing their disagreements with the recent series' change in direction.
After 13 years of skating, fan-favourite Dancing On Ice couple are leaving the show
Alexandra Schauman, 43, from Finand, and Lukasz Rozycki, 44, from Poland, have been professionally skating on the ITV show since 2010, and have partnered with the likes of Sam Nixon, Trisha Goddard and James Jordan over their time on the programme, though their time of the ice has now come to an end.
In a statement from their Swedish home, Alexandra told MailOnline: "Lukasz and I are not returning for the upcoming season of 'Dancing On Ice', and wanted to say a few words about that before it is publicly announced.
"We have absolutely loved being part of the show for so long, but it has taken a very different angle and we struggle to agree with a lot of it.
"Mostly we’ve realised there is no opportunity to 'grow' on the show or take on different roles. And maybe it’s not so attractive for the show that we aren’t dramatic, we treat people with respect, and we aren’t interested in the increasingly contrived romantic narratives."
The star then admitted the couple were sad to be leaving.
He added: "The knowledge that we are now not going to take part in the upcoming series is very sad and very strange, as the show has become almost like a second home for us.
"We are also very sorry to disappoint our fans whose support means the world to us. We will soon be heading overseas to be part of the creative team on a Christmas show, but we hope to find a way of watching' Dancing On Ice' from January and wish all the very best to everyone on it."
Lukasz agreed with his wife of 15 years, and emphasised that 'Dancing on Ice' had begun to weigh heavily on them: "We’ve had some amazing experiences on Dancing On Ice, got to meet and train some incredible people, and performed some special routines.
"The show is great fun but hard work and challenging as everyone who has taken part will attest to. Over the years it has taken its toll on us, mentally and physically.
"The job that we pros do is sometimes very underestimated. We have so much to do that it can be overwhelming and stressful."
Even so, the pair explained that whilst their time on the show was at an end, they were not opposed to returning in the future: "We have a very good relationship with the execs who have been very supportive, and we’ve definitely left the door open for discussions about returning in the future."