talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface is the new ‘Dancing on Ice’ commentator.
Bosses of the skating series were on a frantic hunt to find someone to do the voiceovers for Sunday’s (14.01.18) live show after horse racing expert Matt Chapman resigned after just one week in the role following some heavy social media backlash.
But producers can now breathe a sigh of relief as the sports broadcaster – who used t be on Sky Sports News – has agreed to take over the reins from this weekend.
A source told The Sun Online: "Sam is a talented commentator. Anyone who listens to his talkSPORT commentary will know how enthusiastic he is and how he can have the audience in the palm of his hand. ‘Dancing On Ice’ fans will love him."
Matt – who was filling the shoes of the late legendary broadcaster Tony Gubba – announced his decision to leave the show yesterday (11.01.18).
The pundit said: "I’ve decided to hang up my skates, leave the rink and return to the turf and I wish the show the best of luck for the rest of the run."
Matt had spent months learning the moves and the 12 contestants – including Brooke Vincent, Kem Cetinay and Donna Air – in time for the first show last weekend.
However, his abrupt voiceovers and cheesy one liners didn’t impress viewers and many of them took to social media to beg ITV to sack him and find a replacement.
A source said: "Matt decided he couldn’t make his diary quite work as he thought.
"He’s a big character and a talented sports commentator but he had some mixed reviews in the first show, and he told ITV that perhaps it wasn’t for him after all.
"It was always going to be a big gig following Tony who did eight series before he died in 2013. After Sunday’s show Matt told producers they would have to look elsewhere for a commentator for the rest of the series."
Sam Matterface is new Dancing on Ice commentator
