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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

Dancing On Ice's Brendan Cole scores first 10 of the series after partner change

Brendan Cole took to the ice with stand-in partner Brendyn Hatfield on ITV's Dancing On Ice on Sunday night, and fans loved it - but they weren't alone.

The judges also gave their seal of approval to the epic routine, landing Brendan the first score of 10 of the series.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star and his new pro partner performed to Beggin' by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons from Jersey Boys, for Musicals Week.

His original pro skater Vanessa Bauer was replaced for this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19.

Brendan was confirmed to be performing with Brendyn earlier this week, with Vanessa hoping to return as soon as possible.

Brendan Cole took to the ice with stand-in partner Brendyn Hatfield on ITV's Dancing On Ice on Sunday night (ITV)

Taking to the rink on Sunday, the men pulled off a series of manoeuvres and incredible spins, as well as the Judges Challenge.

There didn't appear to be any mistakes, and Brendyn and Brendan were thrilled with the routine as it came to an end.

It's then that the judges gave their marks, and he was given two marks of nine, and two 9.5s.

It was Arlene Phillips though who gave him and Brendyn a mark of 10 out of 10, his first 10 of the series - and the first 10 for any couple this series.

Taking to the rink on Sunday, the men pulled off a series of manoeuvres and incredible spins (ITV)

Brendan was speechless and moved, as he thanked Vanessa, Brendyn and everyone behind the scenes who helped him get there.

ITV confirmed Vanessa was being replaced for the weekend in a statement on Tuesday, which read: "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 Bauer was replaced for this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19 (Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
ITV confirmed Vanessa was being replaced for the weekend in a statement on Tuesday (Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Skater Vanessa, who has topped the leaderboard in recent weeks with Brendan, shared her disappointment over the news, as she was 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!"

Meanwhile, bosses were reportedly worried that the show would be forced off air this Sunday after Storm Eunice sparked chaos in the week.

The hit skating show is filmed at Bovingdon Airfield in Hemel Hempstead, which is already prone to windy weather.

Yet crew were said to be fearing that history could repeat itself for another ITV show, and were concerned that the marquees and cabins on site could be damaged.

Brendan was speechless and moved, as he thanked Vanessa, Brendyn and everyone behind the scenes (ITV)

It comes after I'm A Celebrity was taken off air for three days after the set was badly damaged by Storm Arwen last year.

An insider told the Daily Star that they were "bracing themselves".

A show source also told the Mirror: "The show has taken some precautions today as the health and safety of our cast and crew is paramount, but we are very confident that it won’t affect the show on Sunday."

The show was good to go though, with the series not thwarted by another storm after all.

Dancing On Ice airs Sunday at 6pm on ITV.

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