DANCING on Ice star Siva Kaneswaran has been forced to withdraw from tomorrow night’s live show.
The Wanted singer has been struck down with illness and medics have advised him to temporarily hang up his skates.
Siva, 34, said: “I’m gutted that I won’t be performing this weekend but I picked up a bug earlier in the week which I haven’t been able to shake so I need to rest and get myself better.
“Good luck to all the contestants this weekend – I’m looking forward to watching everyone’s performances!”
A Dancing on Ice spokesperson said: “Due to illness Siva will not skate in this weekend’s show. We look forward to welcoming him back next weekend.”
It comes just days after Siva emerged as a surprise favourite to win the show, according to pro skater Matt Evers.
The singer, who shot to fame 13 years ago with the chart-topping group, is partnered up with talented pro skater Klabera.
Pro Matt said: “We all know Nile has been top of the leader board and The Vivienne is creeping up – but I have to say I think Siva is the dark horse.”
Speaking of Siva’s transformation in his fabulous Best magazine column, Matt added: “He has a lot of potential. He’s got that huge fan base from the Wanted too. I know initially he was quite fearful of doing this but I think we are seeing him really come into his own now.”
As well as Siva, Darren Harriott and Tippy Packard have impressed co-stars on the show.
Matt, who is teamed up with EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer this year, revealed: “Darren Harriott has surprised us all. ” Matt, spoke of the comic’s star quality saying: “I was worried, he was so nervous before his first routine, but he smashed it.”
And the skater, who made history in the show’s first same-sex couple with H from Steps, also has his eye on another stand out skater.
He said: “Carley Stenson is another Kimberly Wyatt. She’s taken to the ice like a duck to water. We are going to see some amazing performances from her.”
Dancing on Ice continues Sunday at 6:25pm on ITV1 and ITVX
