Paul Gascoigne will be missing from the Dancing On Ice audience on Sunday as son Regan competes to win the crown.
The 26-year-old dancer is one of the favourites to be crowned champion when he takes to the ice for the final of the ITV show on Sunday, alongside former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole and Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.
Despite his famous footballer dad nicknamed Gazza, proudly cheering him on in the audience in previous weeks, Regan confirmed his mum Sheryl and big sister Bianca will be the only members of his family coming to support him on Sunday.
His decision comes just weeks after the former England footballer became visibly emotional as Regan performed a spectacular routine to Singing’ In The Rain, and told host Holly Willoughby he was ”so proud” of his son.
Regan, who is paired with American ice dancer Karina Manta, has spoken out several times about the rumours suggesting the show has been fixed, as all three of the celebrity finalists have extensive dance backgrounds.
During an interview on This Morning, he said being “used to taking on routines” has helped him during Dancing on Ice, but he’s had no other advantage over other contestants.
“But when it comes to the ice skating, it is totally different. There's a right and a wrong, everything has to be in a sequence and a step, but maybe I know how to hold my arms and stuff, but that is about it. Everything else is just brand new!” he explained.
Despite being the odds-on favourite to lift the trophy this year, Regan said he was “genuinely shocked” to be in the final, but dismissed claims he was one of the show’s underdogs.
“I'm just loving it and really enjoying it. I'm embracing every moment of it, but I don't think I'm the dark horse,” he told The Sun.
Even though dad Paul will miss out on his show stopping performances in the final, Regan is overjoyed to be showing his moves to his nearest and dearest.
“I've got family and friends who haven't even seen me perform. To hear their feedback and for them to see how much I love it is really special. That means more to me than anything,” he sweetly added.
*The Dancing on Ice 2022 final airs on Sunday 27 March at 7pm on ITV
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