'beautiful'
Dancing on Ice fans in tears as show pays heartbreaking tribute to late star Sean Rice
DANCING on Ice fans were left in tears after the show paid tribute to late star Sean Rice.
The professional skater - who appeared on the ITV show between 2011 and 2012 - tragically passed away on January 14 2022.
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Just before Sunday night's skate-off, married couple and pro skaters Lukasz Rozycki, 42, and Alexandra Schauman, 41, took to the ice in honour of their beloved friend.
Host Holly Willoughby, 40, told viewers at home: "A dancing on ice professional Sean Rice sadly passed away in January and he'll be missed by all who knew him and our thought are with his family.
"So here with a beautiful routine dedicated to Sean are two of his closest friends Alexandra and Lukasz.
The pair danced on the ice to Jessie Ware's song Alone.
Many viewers took to Twitter to praise their stunning tribute.
One wrote: "What a beautiful tribute to #SeanRice @AlexandraLukasz @IceLukasz That was absolutely beautiful to watch and left me in floods of Tears."
Another said: "Such a beautiful dance from @AlexandraLukasz @IceLukasz , had me in tears. Simply stunning and so lovely of them to dedicate it to Sean Rice. Breathtaking."
"Lovely routine RIP Sean," a third added.
A fourth tweeted: "WOW wat a truly emotional and heart warming skate in tribute to Sean Rice. Wiping a teary eye.."
Last month it was revealed that Sean had died aged just 49.
A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice confirmed: "We are all deeply saddened to hear this news.
"Sean was a wonderful skater and friend to many on the Dancing On Ice team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
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Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1972, Sean went on to become a two-time Canadian pairs bronze medallist with partner Jodeyne Higgins, and four-time Canadian fours champion.
He retired from competitive skating to tour on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines before joining Dancing On Ice in 2011.
Sean took part on the show with Angela Rippon in 2011 and Chemmy Alcott the following year.
Many have paid tribute to the star on social media.
Alexandra Schauman said: "Life is so precious and fragile.
"We have done life together, laughed and cried and skated our hearts out together.
"There are literally no words to describe the pain and shock I am feeling right now, knowing I will never hear your laugh again Sean, or be the recipient of your all-healing bear hugs, or be able to share the ice and stage with you and Jodeyne like we had always planned to do again one day.
"I miss you and love you and I know heaven must be beautiful right now because it has you in it."
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Fellow skater Frankie Poultney added: "Pro skaters are heartbroken today, we lost a true larger than life great - an epic skater, a husband, father, and my friend of 20 years.
"Gone too soon, but we will love you for a thousand years."
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