'Dancing on Ice' stars have been warned they'll be axed from the show if they test positive for coronavirus.
Rufus Hound
Celebrities or contestants would be forced off the ice for two weeks if they are struck down with COVID-19, and as a result it would result in their elimination from the programme.
An insider told The Sun newspaper's Biz TV column: "Any of the celebrities or their partners going down with COVID now would mean two weeks out of the competition and training.
"It would leave them dangerously under-trained and it’s too risky to then have them skate."
Contestant Rufus Hound had to isolate last week after being notified by the Track and Trace system, and he was given a one-week bye. But he's expected to return to the ice this weekend.
An ITV spokeswoman has also clarified the show's approach to positive coronavirus cases.
She explained: "A COVID-19 diagnosis for our cast at this stage would mean two weeks missed and, sadly, an end to their time on the show.
"It has always been the case that no celeb skater misses more than one public vote."
Rufus previously revealed he'd experienced "mild" symptoms of the illness.
He wrote on Twitter: "I've had COVID. Isolated when I knew I'd come into contact with it, tested five days later, am coming to the end of having had it, luckily v mild case. (sic)"
The comedy star also revealed he's spent time watching wrestling during his isolation.
Speaking about his isolation experience, Rufus wrote on the micro-blogging platform: "Spent most of the last three days watching wrestling."
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