Joe Swash calls Alex Murphy’s axing from Dancing On Ice ‘a terrible decision’ as Perri Kieley and James Jordan back her

JOE Swash has hit out at Dancing On Ice after the show axed his dance partner Alex Murphy.

The contest's reigning champion, 38, fumed: "What is going on!!! Terrible decision😤."

Alex and Joe lifted the Dancing On Ice's winners' trophy in March - but she revealed today that show bosses were not renewing her contract.

Many past and present stars of the ITV show have remarked on the decision, with Jordan Banjo calling it "rubbish".

The 31-year-old dancer, who was the show's former backstage presenter, said: "Hope you’re all good, rubbish news man😩."

Ashley Banjo, 31, a judge on Dancing On Ice, added: "Can’t believe that..."

Meanwhile, Maura Higgins wrote: "So sorry to hear🤯 hope your ok ❤" while Perri Kiely said: "No way 😔."

James Jordan added: "Wow! Shocked, hope you are ok."

Writing on Instagram today, Alex said: "It is with a heavy heart that I release the following statement:

"For the last three years, Dancing On Ice has not only been my job, but also what I considered to be my family.

"I am broken hearted to announced that I have recently been informed that I will not be re-contracted for Dancing On Ice 2021 series.

"This decision has come as a huge shock to me. I absolutely love the show and had hoped to go back for 2021. I have been left feeling bewildered, lost, and devastated."

She went on: "I am so grateful for the three years that I had on this incredible show and I will wholeheartedly miss everyone and everything about it.

"Though I am heartbroken, I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and although this hurts right now, I will pick myself up and look forward towards the future.

"Thank you so much to all my colleagues at DOI and most importantly the viewers for the constant support and love that you have shown me the last 3 years.

"It was an incredible part of my life and though it is ending sooner than I would have liked, I am so grateful for the memories."

Alex was partnered with Love Island's Kem Cetinay in 2018 and Westlife star Brian McFadden in 2019.