Dancing On Ice pro couple QUIT after 13 years and say they are ‘struggling to agree with changes to the show’.
A married couple who’ve been professional skaters on Dancing On Ice for 13 years have withdrawn from the next series, saying they’re struggling to agree with changes to the show.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.
‘Mostly we’ve realized 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 in January and wish all the very best to everyone on it.
Hopefully, we may rejoin the wonderful DOI family one day.’
The news comes after Dancing On Ice confirmed its lineup 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 professional lineup since the very first series in 2006.
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.
