Dancing On Ice fans predict Joe-Warren Plant will return as he can come out of quarantine after axed episode

DANCING On Ice fans think Joe-Warren Plant will return to the show after he and partner Vanessa Bauer were axed due to positive coronavirus tests.

Just days after the duo were forced out, ITV made the decision to postpone Sunday's show as it was unable to field a full line-up.

However, the delay could open the door for a return for pair, whose 10-day quarantine period will have expired by the time programme is back on air.

Writing on Twitter, one fan posted: "If contestants can miss one week and it’s not on this week, why can’t Vanessa and Joe return next week if they tested positive on the 12th and it’s next on the 28th? You only need to isolate for 10 days after testing positive?"

Another wrote: "Joe should therefore be able to come back or kick off the ones who’ve been able to miss one week and return to dancing."

A third shared: "Anyway, as my boyfriend Matthew has just pointed out, Joe-Warren Plant will have quarantined long enough for them to bring him back if need be after this break so... watch this space, I s'pose."

Last night The Sun exclusively revealed that producers took the decision to give all the celebrities and their professional partners a week's break to allow everyone the chance to recover.

Jason Donovan, 52, missed Sunday's show because of a back injury - and at least two other celebrities are nursing minor niggles.

It comes a day after The Sun revealed how the series was on thin ice due a spare of injuries and COVID-19 related drop-outs.

The series will return on Sunday, February 28 after the enforced hiatus.

An ITV source said: "Everyone’s just been working really hard to put on a brilliant series.

"The production team has been amazing working around new protocols and working around the pandemic which is ever-evolving with new variants and such.

"This break will just allow the cast and crew the time to take a breath. Everyone gives it their all and just wants the show to be amazing for viewers at home so a week to recharge and rest up before coming back will be great."

Jason missed Sunday night's show after being unable to rehearse his routine due to back pain.

The Aussie was automatically given a bye into the next round, but will be forced to quit for good if he cannot get fit by the time the show returns.

If he quits it will mean that five famous faces have withdrawn this series alone, with no more back-ups available to call upon.

To make matters worse for beleaguered producers on the skating show, at least two other stars are nursing injuries.

Rapper Lady Leshurr, 32, has complained about pain in her leg, while Rebekah Vardy, 38, has a groin strain.

West End star Denise Van Outen had to withdraw due to a broken shoulder.

Towie’s Billie Shepherd quit after a heavy fall on the ice, and Rufus Hound was booted after also testing positive for coronavirus for a second time.

Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes, 33, is now the bookies favourite to triumph.