Revealed: Dancing on Ice’s most stunning moments – from damaged bones and explosive rows to backstage romances – as ITV sequence’ destiny is introduced

For nearly two decades, Dancing on Ice provided a sparkly glimpse into the world of skating, with amateur stars taking to the rink to perform a vast array of routines.

But, after being plagued by plummeting ratings in recent years, it was announced on Wednesday that ITV have axed the show, with ‘no plans for a new series in 2026.’

In a statement, a spokesperson for the channel said: ‘Following another successful series earlier this year, Dancing On Ice will be rested in 2026 with no current plans for another series.

‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the cast and crew who have worked on the show since 2006, and over the previous 17 series, for all of their hard work both on and off the ice.’

Throughout its run, Dancing On Ice has been no stranger to drama, both on the rink, and off, with stars becoming embroiled in on-screen rows, and battling broken bones as they attempted to recreate some of skating’s most dangerous moves.

And like its BBC rival Strictly Come Dancing, some celebrities fell victim to the show’s so-called curse, forming steamy romances with their professional partners that have endured for many years after meeting on the ice.

So, as Dancing On Ice fans bid an emotional farewell to the rink after 19 years, MailOnline takes a lookback at the show’s most shocking moments…

Iconic Falls 

Todd Carty surprised everyone (including himself) when he lost his balance and found himself flying down the tunnel during his performance back in 2014. 

Skating alongside his partner Susie Lipanova, suddenly the former EastEnders actor lost his balance and flew down the tunnel off stage, while Susie completed the routine alone. 

Judge Jason Gardiner said at the time: ‘Todd you’re like a derailed locomotion’, as the star was voted out in week four. 

Meanwhile Gemma Collins took a serious tumble when her graceful routine to Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back To Me Now suffered a bump in the road. 

As the TOWIE star tripped and fell on the rink back in 2019, her professional partner Matt Evers rushed to her aid. 

Returning to the show as an audience member for the show’s Christmas special later that year, she said: ‘I got so excited, I just went too over the top with my movement, which you’re not allowed to do in ice skating and my toe pick got caught – and bang. 

‘I thought I was dead. I literally thought I was dead.’ 

Joe Pasquale managed to fall off the ice in his week one routine to Queen’s Flash.

Skating towards a podium for the finale of the routine, the actor flew off the ice and landed in a heap, before quickly clambering to his feet and stumbling to the top of the podium for an epic finish.

Host Christine Lampard joked: ‘Well he not only entertained us, I think he possibly winded himself as well.’ 

Injuries on the ice 

Skating is a famously dangerous sport, and contestants are constantly aware of the perils involved while taking part. 

Brookside actress Jennifer Ellison accidentally struck herself in the head with her skate while trying to perform a tricky manoeuvre back in 2012. 

Despite the injury during the ‘scorpion kick’ she bravely continued to finish her routine, receiving her highest score up until that point. 

The blonde left the ring as soon as her routine ended to receive medical help with blood pouring from her head. 

Meanwhile in 2006, England goalkeeper David Seaman accidentally dropped partner Pam O’Connor during rehearsals. 

The footballer attempted to swing his partner round by her feet only to hit her face on the ice and result in a hospital dash. 

Accusations of bullying   

Supermodel Caprice Bourett accused pro Hamish Gaman of bullying after she exited the show after two weeks in 2020. 

Reports claimed she was ‘poised to sue ITV over the fallout’ and allegations that the skater ‘gaslighted’ her in tough training sessions. 

Caprice was said to have complained about Hamish and the duo were assigned a supervisor to watch their rehearsals.

Despite the allegations, ITV said they ‘found no evidence of bullying’ on the show. 

ITV told MailOnline at the time: ‘We take allegations of bullying very seriously but found no evidence on Dancing On Ice and we strongly refute any suggestion to the contrary.

‘We’re very proud of the team, both on and off screen. They produce a fantastic show and we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works on the programme is fully supported.’

On screen arguments 

Former judge Jason Gardiner left the show six years ago, following a series that saw him at loggerheads with contestant Gemma Collins. 

The drama between Jason and Gemma played out on the 2019 series, with them at each other’s throats during the critiquing.

It eventually reached boiling point when the TOWIE star accused the judge of ‘selling stories’ about her and her apparent poor work ethic. 

The uproar eventually cost Jason his job on the show and he was replaced in 2019 by John Barrowman – before he faced the chop due to accusations of inappropriate behaviour. 

But his altercation with Gemma wasn’t his first after he found himself face to face with Denise Welch’s then husband Tim Healy back in 2011. 

After Jason described Denise and Matt’s routine as ‘watching two people playing Twister’ and called her upbeat routine from the week before ‘abysmal’ Tim decided to take matters into his own hands. 

As the audience cheered the Benidorm actor went face to face with Jason as he said: ‘Listen mate she’s 52 and she’s got four jobs, how many jobs have you got?’

‘Oh my God your breath!’ exclaimed Jason as he dramatically wafted the air, as Holly joked: ‘You mess with Denise you mess with her husband’. 

And even during Dancing On Ice’s 19th and final series, host Holly was left stunned by a racy quip by her co-host Stephen Mulhern, who joined the show in 2024 following Phillip Schofield’s departure.

The ex-This Morning star’s mouth fell open in horror when her pal pretended to miss hear after she revealed contestant Chris Taylor was dancing to the song ‘Golden Hour’.

Stephen acted shocked by the revelation, jokingly thinking that Holly had been referencing an X-rated sex act. 

Stunned Holly gasped when it dawned on her, before the camera cut away to see the Love Island star and his partner rehearsing before they took to the ice. 

Ferne McCann, who also took part in the 2025 series, was also visibly upset when she was voted off the show, with sources saying she broke down in tears backstage after cutting her lap of honour on the ice short.

It was reported that the star felt let down by her celebrity pals, who failed to publicly support her on social media during her time on the show. 

Backstage romances 

Just like its rival Strictly Come Dancing, the ITV show is no stranger to the dreaded curse and stars finding love with their professional partners.  

Coronation Street’s Samia Ghadie split from her co-star Will Thorp and found happiness with French skater Sylvain Longchambon – with whom she is now married and shares a son.

The budding romance also saw Sylvain split from Hollyoaks’ Jennifer Metcalfe, 40, after also meeting her on the ITV show. 

EastEnders’ Shona McGarty and former co-star Matt Lapinskas ended their romance during his stint on the series, reportedly due to his relationship to partner Brianne Delcourt.

The actor went on to date the professional for a year before the stunner dumped him amid cheating allegations.

David Seaman, 60, also found love with pro Frankie Poultney, 49, after retuning to the show for a second later making her his third wife. 

Judges battling it out

One of the show’s most memorable moments was Jason and head coach Karen Barber’s on air argument. 

After Karen attempted to offer constructive criticism Johnson Beharry VC, acid-tongued Jason jumped in with a put-down. 

Attacking the former judge he said: ‘Karen if your opinion mattered, you’d still be on the panel’. While Karen clapped calling him ‘offensive’ and questioned what he brought to the show.

Once again finding himself in trouble with bosses Karen reportedly saved him from getting the sack.