A married couple who’ve been professional skaters on Dancing On Ice for 13 years have withdrawn from the next series, saying they’re struggling to agree with changes to the show.
Since 2010, Alexandra Schauman from Finland, now 43, has partnered with celebrities such as Sam Nixon, Todd Carty, and James Jordan with whom she won in 2019.
For 15 years she has been married to Lukasz Rozycki from Poland, now 44, whose DOI partners have included Trisha Goddard, Myleene Klass, and Beth Tweddle with whom he made the final in 2014.
Speaking from their home in Sweden, Alex said: ‘Lukasz and I are not returning for the upcoming season of Dancing On Ice, and wanted to say a few words about that before it is publicly announced.
‘We have absolutely loved being part of the show for so long, but it has taken a very different angle and we struggle to agree with a lot of it.
All change: Married couple Alexandra Schauman and Lukasz Rozycki who’ve been pro skaters on Dancing On Ice for 13 years have withdrawn from the next series and say they’re struggling to agree with changes to the show
Speaking from their home in Sweden, they said: ‘We have absolutely loved being part of the show for so long, but it has taken a very different angle and we struggle to agree with a lot of it’ (pictured in February 2020)
‘Mostly we’ve realised there is no opportunity to “grow” on the show or take on different roles. And maybe it’s not so attractive for the show that we aren’t dramatic, we treat people with respect, and we aren’t interested in the increasingly contrived romantic narratives.’
Lukasz points out the toll the show has taken on them and said: ‘We’ve had some amazing experiences on Dancing On Ice, got to meet and train some incredible people, and performed some special routines.
‘The show is great fun but hard work and challenging as everyone who has taken part will attest to. Over the years it has taken its toll on us, mentally and physically.
‘The job that we pros do is sometimes very underestimated. We have so much to do that it can be overwhelming and stressful.
‘We discussed various options with production over the summer and in the end the decision was made that a year off would be best.
‘But we have a very good relationship with the execs who have been very supportive, and we’ve definitely left the door open for discussions about returning in the future.’
Nonetheless Alex admitted: ‘The knowledge that we are now not going to take part in the upcoming series is very sad and very strange, as the show has become almost like a second home for us.
‘We are also very sorry to disappoint our fans whose support means the world to us. We will soon be heading overseas to be part of the creative team on a Christmas show, but we hope to find a way of watching Dancing On Ice from January and wish all the very best to everyone on it.
They said: ‘We’ve realised there is no opportunity to “grow” on the show or take on different roles. And maybe it’s not so attractive for the show that we aren’t dramatic, we treat people with respect, and we aren’t interested in the increasingly contrived romantic narratives’
Lukasz said: ‘The show is great fun but hard work and challenging as everyone who has taken part will attest to. Over the years it has taken its toll on us, mentally and physically.’
‘Hopefully, we may rejoin the wonderful DOI family one day.’
The news comes after Dancing On Ice confirmed its line up of professional skaters for the forthcoming 2024 series.
Returning to the show are Vanessa Bauer, Colin Grafton, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Sylvain Longchambon and Tippy Packard.
After a break of one series and having both first featured on the show in 2013, Andy Buchanan and Robin Johnstone will also be back on the ice.
Meanwhile, Matt Evers has announced his departure from the show, after a glittering fifteen series run and having been part of the professionals line up since the very first series in 2006.
Returning to #DancingOnIce: Returning to the show are Vanessa Bauer, Colin Grafton, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Sylvain Longchambon and Tippy Packard. After a break of one series and having both first featured on the show in 2013, Andy Buchanan and Robin Johnstone will also be back on the ice
New to the ice: Simon Senecal is a former Armenian national champion and Winter Olympian
Get your skates on! Annette Dytrt is a former German and Czech national champion, also appeared on the German version of Dancing On Ice
Newcomer: Amani Fancy is a two time British national champion, who has previously appeared on the German version of Dancing on Ice
Credentials: Vanessa James is a six time French national champion who represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympic games
All change: Matt Evers has announced his departure from the show, after a glittering fifteen series run and having been part of the professionals line up since the very first series in 2006, (pictured)
The greatest show on ice will also be welcoming four brand new skaters:
Amani Fancy – Two time British national champion, has previously appeared on the German version of Dancing on Ice
Vanessa James – Six time French national champion who represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympic games
Annette Dytrt – Former German and Czech national champion, also appeared on the German version of Dancing on Ice
Simon Senecal – Former Armenian national champion and Winter Olympian
Karen Barber and Daniel Whiston will also return to the show as Head Coach and Creative Director respectively.
As the 2024 celebrities begin their intense training regime, the professional pairings will be revealed over the coming weeks.
Dancing On Ice is back on ITV1, STV and ITVX in 2024.
DANCING ON ICE: MEET THE 2024 CONTESTANTS
RICKY HATTON
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: Former pro boxer
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink’
HANNAH SPEARRITT
AGE: 42
PROFESSION: SINGER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I’m really excited about learning a new skill. It’s so easy to live your comfortable life and that aspect of mixing things up is very appealing’
GREG RUTHERFORD
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Athlete
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘I like a challenge and I needed a reason to go out and do stuff again and here we are. I want to perform something that’s never been done before, that’s my aim.’
STEPHEN LUSTIG-WEBB
AGE: 52
PROFESSION: Gogglebox star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘I’ve got a new appreciation for skating. I can see how truly difficult it is. From the comfort of my sofa I was probably a little too judgy, I didn’t realise how hard it is!’
RICKY NORWOOD
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: EastEnders star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘It’s come at such a great time in life. I can’t skate at all! No rehearsals as yet, I’ve just had some physiotherapy to strengthen the body.’
RYAN THOMAS
AGE: 39
PROFESSION: Corrie star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘Everyone keeps asking me, “are you doing it?” I’ve told everyone!’
CLAIRE SWEENEY
AGE: 52
PROFESSION: ACTRESS
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I am stepping into the unknown here. I don’t know how I will feel. But I am very excited.’
AMBER DAVIES
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: WEST END STAR
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I would definitely say that I’m an adrenaline junkie but I do get more nervous as I get older and I hope that I can contain them’
MILES NAZAIRE
AGE: 27
PROFESSION: REALITY STAR
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘I’ve always loved to dance but it’s usually on a dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice looks so difficult.’
LOU SANDERS
AGE: 37
PROFESSION: COMEDIAN
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I’m nervous about cracking my head open, or just bashing the old head. I can’t afford to lose any more brain cells.’
ADELE ROBERTS
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: RADIO PRESENTER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘It’s ”bricking it on ice” for me! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there as I usually hide away’
ROXY SHAHIDI
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: Emmerdale star
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I can’t ice-skate. I haven’t really said anything to anyone but mainly because I’m so nervous about it!’