DANCING On Ice’s Joe-Warren Plant has said he is “beyond heartbroken” after being forced off the show with coronavirus.
The 18-year-old Emmerdale actor paid an emotional tribute to dance partner Vanessa Bauer saying: “I can never repay you.”
Vanessa, 24, posted her own emotional message admitting: “I am writing this in tears.”
The pair had to drop out of the beleaguered contest after both testing positive for the deadly virus.
Joe told fans this afternoon: “Unfortunately, due to contracting and testing positive for Covid-19, me and Vanessa will no longer be competing on @dancingonice.
“I am beyond heartbroken that our journey has been cut short.
“For the past few months we have dedicated our entire lives to the show and I can’t even describe how I feel knowing we won’t be able to showcase what we were capable of and on the road to achieving.
.”
He added: “Dancing on Ice has been the most amazing experience. I have met so many incredible / kind people who I now consider as family and I have loved every minute sharing this journey with you all.”
Vanessa shared a picture of them together writing: “We are heartbroken .”
She added: “Joe and I feel fine, but our COVID tests came back positive and that means the end for us on @dancingonice 
.
“I am writing this in tears as I’ve loved every minute on this years show with @joewarren_plant!
“He is the best partner I could have wished for, we worked so hard for months, had so much fun together and had SO SO much more to show
“It feels surreal as we were training up until last evening before the shock call hit us…
“It is devastating that our journey has been cut short like this but we both still had the time of our lives 
.
“We love @dancingonice and want to thank everybody for the support this year . Please stay safe. Joe & V x.”
Vanessa was supported by her Dancing On Ice co-stars, with Hamish Gaman telling her: “This breaks my heart for you and Joe .”
