Former TOWIE star Billie Faiers has temporarily dropped out of Dancing on Ice following the death of her beloved grandmother.
Billie took to the ice last weekend with professional skater Mark Hannerty but ITV have now released a statement to say she won’t be featuring on this week’s episode .
"Sadly due to a family bereavement this week Billie Shepherd is taking a break from the ice and won't be on Sunday's show.
"We look forward to her returning next week and send her all of our love at this sad time."
Billie and her sister Sam’s nan, Wendy, sadly passed away aged 77 after being diagnosed with pneumonia.
“The girls are completely devastated,” a source told mailonline.
CHECK OUT: the Dancing On Ice 2021 line-up in full
Dancing On Ice 2021 pairings
1 of 12Jason Donovan and Alexandra Schauman
2 of 12Lady Leshurr and Brendyn Hatfield
3 of 12Rufus Hound and Robin Johnstone
4 of 12Colin Jackson CBE and Klabera Komini
5 of 12Billie Shepherd and Mark Hanretty
6 of 12Sonny Jay and Angela Egan
7 of 12Denise Van Outen and Matt Evers
8 of 12Mykleene Klass and Lukasz Różycki
9 of 12Joe-Warren Plant and Vanessa Bauer
10 of 12Rebekah Vardy and Andy Buchanan
11 of 12Faye Brookes and Hamish Gaman
12 of 12Graham Bell and Yebin Mok
WATCH: Ferne McCann teases TOWIE 10 year reunion 😱
"They were very close with their nan and her passing has come as a complete shock to the family."
Billie isn’t the only big name to have dropped out of this year’s series in the first weeks, after TV presenter Denise Van Outen was forced to quit due to injury.
Announcing the sad news on Instagram, Denise wrote, “GUTTED! If you’ve been watching @dancingonice you will be aware that just over a week ago I had a nasty fall and injured my shoulder.
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“I managed to skate my first dance with @themattevers on the live show through a gritted smile because the pain was unbearable. I’ve tried as hard as I can to carry on because I love the show and the amazing team in front and behind the cameras.
“Initially we thought with rest I could make a return to the ice, but a recent MRI scan has shown that I have 3 bone fractures as well as a partial dislocation. OUCH! No wonder I’ve been in agony.”