Arlene Phillips has spoken about her upcoming appearance on Dancing on Ice as she prepares to join the judging panel this weekend, marking a reunion with fellow Strictly Come Dancing alum Brendan Cole.
This comes after it was announced that Brendan's professional partner Vanessa Bauer will be replaced this weekend, after the show was thrown into chaos by another positive Covid-19 test.
Brendan will now perform with pro skater Brendyn Hatfield, marking the second same-sex pairing on the ITV ice skating show.
Arlene Phillips, 78, will have a front row seat for the pair’s debut as she will join the panel as a guest judge, giving the panel a fifth face for the first time in the show’s history this Sunday, February 20.
Appearing on ITV's Lorraine to discuss the judging shake up with host Christine Lampard, who was in for Lorraine Kelly, Arlene said she thinks there will “definitely be competition” between the pros Brendan and his new partner Brendyn.
She then made a slight dig at Brendan's recent performance on the show, saying: “I think Brendan is going to get his game on. I think he had his game on when he started on Dancing on Ice but I felt like the last two weeks - he’s good, brilliant - but not the spectacular brilliance.
“I think he’s going to come out on Sunday and just absolutely smash it.”
The West End legend added that Brendan is a “tough cookie”, although said she had seen him smiling more often of late.
Of her upcoming judge panel appearance, after she left Strictly Come Dancing's judging panel 14 years ago, she said she’s very excited.
She added: “I love judging. To judge something which has the sporting element and dance is the best thing.
“I think because it’s musical theatre week, musicals are about telling a story through music and song, so it’s being able to use the skills they’ve got, but to live that moment that’s encapsulated in theatre.”
ITV confirmed skate pro Vanessa has tested positive for the coronavirus in a statement on Tuesday: “Unfortunately, Vanessa Bauer is unable to skate this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19. We look forward to Vanessa returning to the competition soon.
“Brendan Cole will still perform in this Sunday's show and will be partnered with professional skater Brendyn Hatfield.”
Vanessa, who has topped the leaderboard in recent weeks with Brendan, shared her disappointment over the news, as she is forced to miss out.
She said: “I’m disappointed that I have tested positive for Covid and won’t be able to perform with Brendan for Musicals Week. But I am excited that Brendan gets to skate and challenge himself with an incredible fellow pro and friend in Brendyn.
“I have no doubt they will absolutely smash this Sunday. I’m looking forward to returning to the competition to showcase more creative routines!”
Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV
