It seems as though Dancing on Ice contestants are dropping like flies after a third celebrity was confirmed to have left the competition.

This time it’s comedian Rufus Hound, who’s been dropped after testing positive for Covid-19 for a second time.

After getting off to a flying start during week one when he was the first recipient of this series’ Golden Ticket twist, Rufus has been notably absent for the previous two shows after he tested positive for the virus.

Having completed his quarantine, a further test showed he was still positive and ITV has been left with no choice but to replace him and his professional skating partner Robin Johnstone in the competition.

Taking to Twitter to confirm the news, Rufus wrote, "I will no longer be participating in @dancingonice.

CHECK OUT: Dancing On Ice 2021 pairings

WATCH: ‘That’s weird!’ What has Curtis Pritchard been messaging AJ’s girlfriend?!

"COVID is - as I'm sure we're all well aware - a bastard and sadly the world isn't short of those."

Rufus and Robin will be replaced by fellow comedian and TV personality Matt Richardson, who will skate with pro skater Vicky Ogden.

Rufus is the third casualty of the show, after presenterDenise Van Outen was forced to quit due to a shoulder injury, and TOWIE’sBillie Faiers took some time out because of a family bereavement– although she’s expected to return for this weekend’s show.

READ MORE

9 of the most dramatic TOWIE splits of all time

This Morning to axe raunchy segments while kids are home from school

Married At First Sight's Ben Jardine: 'The Aussie brides have been sliding into my DMs'

Rufus divided viewers during his debut on the showwhen host Phillip Schofield asked if he thought it was “crazy” he’d won the ticket.

“Mate, we live in a world where the people we elect don’t want to feed hungry children,” he said. “This is the least crazy thing.”

“No need for political statements on prime time entertainment. Get rid of Rufus. Bloody leftie. #DancingOnIce,” fumed one commenter, while another said, “Imagine being the sort of gammony Karen who gets upset about Rufus Hound correctly saying the government haven’t done enough to prevent children in the UK going hungry.”