VANESSA Bauer is demanding answers from Dancing On Ice bosses after they U-turned on the decision to allow her to return to the show with Joe-Warren Plant.
The pair had been told they would be allowed to return after testing positive for coronavirus – following bosses being forced to rest the show for a week.
But Vanesa was told in an early morning call on Friday she wouldn’t be allowed back after all, leaving her feeling ‘angry and upset’.
Pals said she felt betrayed by ITV bosses and feared she and Joe had been ‘set up’ by some of her co-stars who were said to have complained about their possible comeback.
A friend said: “Vanessa was absolutely devastated when she was told she wasn’t going back to Dancing On Ice. She was close to tears when she was explaining it.
“She was training with Joe at a rink on Friday morning to be ready for their return when they got the call.
“After the initial shock wore off Vanessa couldn’t hide her upset.
She said she was confused as she was so sure they were going back.
“Vanessa wants a meeting to discuss what happened as it all feels a bit rushed. She said she felt she was being stitched up with Joe.
“She’s heard talk of favouritism and has been privy to hearsay about the other contestants moaning about it.
“It feels a bit like they’ve been stabbed in the back.”
Vanessa, 24, and former Emmerdale star Joe, 19, had been early favourites in the competition.
In a statement they said they were gutted after having to announce their departure a fortnight ago following positive coronavirus tests.
However after Dancing On Ice was taken off air for a week, insiders said assurances were made to them about returning because the other skaters on the show would have also missed a week in the competition.
This year’s Dancing On Ice has been hit by a series of disasters, including a number of injuries.
Five stars, including Emmerdale star Joe, have pulled out of the competition, leaving just five remaining for tomorrow’s show.
Rufus Hound, 41, had Covid while Billie Shepherd, 31, and Denise Van Outen, 46, who were both injured had to leave the competition.
Jason Donovan, 52, also quit last week due to a back injury.
Holly Willoughby, 40, and Phillip Schofield, 56, will return to host the show tomorrow, with Rebekah Vardy, 39, Lady Leshurr, 32, Colin Jackson CBE, 54, Sonny Jay, 27, and Faye Brookes, 33, taking to the rink.
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