Alex Murphy has been axed from Dancing On Ice, despite winning the last series.
The professional skater – who is the reigning champion with Joe Swash – revealed the news in a statement on Wednesday, confessing she had no idea it was coming.
Addressing her 109,000 Instagram followers, Alex, 31, admitted she felt ‘bewildered, lost, and devastated’ at the decision.
End of an era: Alex Murphy has been axed from Dancing On Ice, despite winning the last series. She joined the ITV show in 2018 when the series was revived
She wrote on Instagram: ‘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.
‘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. [sic]’
Champions: The professional skater – who is the reigning champion with Joe Swash – revealed the news in a statement on Wednesday, confessing she had no idea it was coming
Despite her upset, Alex went on to look at the bright side as she looked to the future and thanked her fans and colleagues.
She added: ‘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 incredibly part of my list and though it is ending sooner than I would have liked, I am so grateful for the memories.’
Shocked: Addressing her 109,000 Instagram followers, Alex, 31, admitted she felt ‘bewildered, lost, and devastated’ at the decision
Upsetting: Amy’s famous friends and fellow Dancing On Ice stars couldn’t believe the news as they consoled the professional skater in the comments
Several stars took to Instagram to reveal their shock at the decision, including Dancing on Ice judge Ashley Banjo, who wrote: ‘Can’t believe that…’
Coronation Street actress Lisa George, who took part in this year’s series, wrote: ‘OMG – I can’t believe that – so sorry darling . Onwards and upwards’.
Denise van Outen posted: ‘Oh no!! Sending you so much love . Hope you’re ok beautiful lady’.
Throwback: Alex joined the series as the reigning Dutch Dancing On Ice champion when the British series was revived in 2018. She was partnered with Love Island’s Kem Cetinay
Alex joined the series as the reigning Dutch Dancing On Ice champion when the British series was revived in 2018.
She was partnered with Love Island’s Kem Cetinay and they finished in fourth place.
The following year she was partnered with Brian McFadden and again, finished in fourth.
For the most recent 2020 series she was paired up with Michael Barrymore, but the pair never made it onto the ice, as he injured himself in training and had to pull out before the series began.
However from Week 4 onwards she ended up with Joe Swash when his pro partner Alexandra Schauman sustained an injury and had to stop competing.
The pair went on to be crowned the 2020 Dancing On Ice champions.
Alex and Joe raised eyebrows after their win when they were spotted holding hands while leaving their hotel with co-stars after a late night wrap party.
When approached by MailOnline, Joe Swash’s representatives said: ‘Joe and his skating partner Alex are good friends, and any implication otherwise, is just nonsense.’
Joe is in a relationship with Stacey Solomon and Alex has been dating YouTuber Paul Klein after they met while taking part in Celebrity Coach Trip last year.
Dream team: Alex ended up with Joe Swash when his pro partner Alexandra Schauman sustained an injury and had to stop competing