Brianne Delcourt has quit ‘Dancing on Ice’ after 10 years on the show.
The professional ice skater met her now-fiance Kevin Kilbane on the show this year when they were partnered together, and she admitted it was a tough decision to leave the ITV programme behind after it has been such a huge part of her life.
Brianne – who has a three-year-old daughter Gracie – said: "It has been a back-and-forth question mark in my mind for some time now.
"The hardest part will be missing my ‘DoI’ family and I have so much to thank the show for, including introducing me to my absolute soulmate in Kevin.
"I’m 39 – 40 in February – and I’ve been on the road for so long and as a working mum – a single mum.
"I really had to work hard for everything on my own.
"The show has been a huge part of my life and part of Gracie’s too."
Brianne – who has moved to Canada with Kevin and Gracie – admitted the ‘Dancing on Ice’ bosses have been "super supportive" of her decision, and she is now taking a break from skating to concentrate on her family.
She said: "My life is here with Kevin and Gracie.
"I’ve made the right decision. I’ll always skate and perform when I can and you may see me again. But as for now, I’m taking a break from it all to fulfil my other passion and dream – which is my family.
"There will be more exciting news ahead as well. This is just the beginning for us."
While the couple are currently living in Canada, Brianne admitted she and retired footballer Kevin are planning to marry next summer in his native Ireland.
She added to HELLO! magazine: "We’re now planning the wedding but for next summer, and one hundred per cent we are going to get married in Ireland with a dream castle still on the cards."
The couple met late last year during rehearsals for the show, which aired in January, and they got engaged in February – just days after they were eliminated from the programme.