A Dancing on Ice couple has revealed they have quit the show, as they hit out at the 'stressful' environment.
Alexandra Schauman from Finland, 43, and Lukasz Rozycki from Poland, 44, have been married for 15 years.
The couple have also been professional skaters on the show for 13 years, with Alexandra dancing with the likes of Sam Nixon, Todd Carty, and James Jordan, who won in 2019.
Meanwhile, Lukasz has taken to the ice with the likes of Trisha Goddard, Myleene Klass, and Beth Tweddle, who made the 2014 final.
But the couple says they will not be returning for the upcoming series, telling the Daily Mail that they disagree with some of the changes being made.
Speaking to the publication, Alex said: “We have absolutely loved being part of the show for so long, but it has taken a very different angle and we struggle to agree with a lot of it.
"Mostly we’ve realised there is no opportunity to 'grow' on the show or take on different roles.
"And maybe it’s not so attractive for the show that we aren’t dramatic, we treat people with respect, and we aren’t interested in the increasingly contrived romantic narratives.”
The couple also hit out at the workload, with Lukasz claiming that 'they had so much to do that it was overwhelming and stressful.'
Calling the programme 'hard work,' he added that over the years it had 'taken a toll on them' both 'mentally and physically.'
But the duo also acknowledged that they are 'sad' about taking a step back, calling Dancing on Ice a 'second home' to them.
Confirming what they are doing instead, the couple said that they are ‘heading overseas to join a creative team on a Christmas show.’
OK! has approached ITV for comment.
Dancing on Ice will be returning in 2024, with professionals, Vanessa Bauer, Colin Grafton, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Sylvain Longchambon, and Tippy Packard ready to be matched up with A-listers.
Despite taking a break from the show, Andy Buchanan and Robin Johnstone will also be returning, having both been on our screens since 2013.
However, one skater who has also announced their departure is Matt Evers, who has decided to hang up his skates after a fifteen-series run.
In a statement, the 47-year-old wrote: “I have some news to share. I knew this day would come at some point, but I won’t be returning to Dancing On Ice this series… After 15 series of the show, it was sadly time to hang up the skates for now.
“I have loved every minute of it (honestly!). I’ve had some incredible partners over the years, and we have created some fantastic TV moments.
"I mean who can forget that fall from Gemma (Collins), or the wardrobe malfunction from Pamela (Anderson). And I was honoured to make history with H as the first-ever UK same-sex televised partnership.”
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