Dancing on Ice backlash: ITV hit with Ofcom complaints after Rita Ora’s performance

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    The 2021 series of Dancing on Ice is currently being ‘paused’ after weeks of disruption from Covid and celebrity contestants and/or their professional ice-skating partners getting injured. Last weekend, ITV viewers tuned in to see six couples perform live before the judges and viewers votes were combined and a skate-off between Lady Leshurr and Amy Tinker occurred. Before the elimination results were revealed, Rita Ora performed her new single Bang Bang, but her appearance on the show prompted some viewers to complain to the broadcasting regulator, Ofcom. 

    It comes after some questioned the appropriateness of the singer appearing on the programme in light of her breaking lockdown rules. 

    Ofcom has confirmed 78 official complaints were lodged, while many took to social media to voice their anger. 

    One said: “@dancingonice and @RitaOra She should not have been allowed on bad choice she has broken the rules so many times and doesn’t care.” 

    @dancingonice and @RitaOra Bad taste having Rita Ora in the show, she broke Covid rules in a Spectacular Way,” someone else chimed.

    READ MORE: Dancing on Ice: Faye Brookes partner Hamish Gaman quits ITV series 

    As for the drama Dancing on Ice 2021 has experienced, it began with professional ice-skater Yebin Mok sustaining a freak accident during training the week before her and Graham Bell’s debut performance. 

    Denise Van Outen was then forced to pull out after she injured her shoulder in rehearsals and Amy Tinkler joined the line-up to replace her. 

    Rufus Hound then tested positive for Covid and therefore, had to withdraw, with Matt Richardson called in to replace him. 

    Billie Shepherd was also forced to quit the competition after hitting her head and suffering mild concussion. 

    Joe-Warren Plant also tested positive for Covid just last week and he and partner Vanessa Bauer left the show. 

    ITV then explained how Jason Donovan wasn’t going to skate in week five after an injury and Faye Brookes partner Hamish Gaman suffered a finger injury which means Matt Evers will perform with the Coronation Street star going forward. 

    Because of all this, ITV decided they have a week’s break with no live show on Sunday. 

    Each week our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times,” a spokesperson said. 

    Published at Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

    Dancing on Ice backlash: ITV hit with Ofcom complaints after Rita Ora’s performance

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