Lemar has been confirmed as Monty Panesar’s replacement on ‘Dancing on Ice’
It was rumoured that the 39-year-old singer would be taking the former England cricketer’s place on the rink after he accidentally fell and snapped his ankle during training, but ITV have now confirmed the news and have revealed the ‘Time to Grow’ hitmaker will be partnered up with Melody Le Moal for the dangerous skating show.
An spokesperson for the channel said: "Owing to an injury sustained in training, Monty has had to withdraw from the competition. Lemar will take his place, and will be partnered with professional skater Melody."
And, although he hasn’t danced with Melody before, Lemar will certainly be ready to hit the rink when the show airs on screen next month as he’s been training on the side as a replacement in case a situation like this – an injury – was to arise.
A source said: "Lemar was gutted to hear about Monty’s accident but is thrilled to have got the call up to the show. He’s been putting in plenty of hours of training."
Monty, 35, joined the ITV reboot because he was keen to learn a new skill and was devastated when he was told by doctors that he wouldn’t be able to compete.
An insider explained: "Monty suffered a nasty fall during training and has badly injured his ankle. It’s a quite serious fracture and he’s out of the competition.
"He’s been told there’s no way he can be part of the new series, which he’s absolutely devastated about. He couldn’t wait to try a new sport and concentrate on something new in 2018 after retiring from his cricketing career."
Lemar will join the likes of ‘Coronation Street’ stars Antony Cotton and Brooke Vincent, track and field athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton, rugby hunk Max Evans, Jake Quickenden, Love Island’s Kem Cetinay, Great British Bake Off’s Candice Brown and Bucks Fizz’s Cheryl Baker.
Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Jason Gardiner are set to judge whilst Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will host.
Lemar confirmed for Dancing on Ice
