Dancing on Ice: Billie Shepherd to miss Sunday’s show following family bereavement

TV personality is expected to return to the competition next week

Billie Shepherd will not appear on this Sunday’s (31 January) episode of Dancing on Ice following a death within her family.

The reality TV star, who rose to fame on The Only Way is Essex, made her first appearance on the ice last Sunday (24 January).

However, Shepherd and her partner Mark Hanretty will not be skating this week following a family bereavement.

An ITV spokesperson said: “Sadly due to a family bereavement this week Billie Shepherd is taking a break from the ice and won’t be on Sunday’s show.

“We look forward to her returning next week and send her all of our love at this sad time.”

Shepherd and Hanretty won’t appear on Dancing on Ice this Sunday (ITV)

Last week’s episode of Dancing on Ice saw the second group of contestants hit the ice for the first time, with Myleene Klass being sent home after losing out to rapper Lady Leshurr in the skate-off.

Read more: Who’s competing on Dancing on Ice 2021?

Earlier this week, their fellow competitor Denise Van Outen was forced to pull out of the competition after suffering a nasty fall in rehearsal which left her with a shoulder injury.

In an Instagram post, the presenter wrote: “Initially we thought with rest I could make a return to the ice, but a recent MRI scan has shown that I have 3 bone fractures as well as a partial dislocation. OUCH! No wonder I've been in agony.”

Van Outen will be replaced on the show by Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler.