'Dancing on Ice' 2021 professional line-up unveiled following Alex Murphy axing

ITV have revealed the names of the professional skaters taking part in the 2021 series of Dancing on Ice.

It comes after the show's reigning professional champion Alex Murphy revealed her devastation back in June that ITV had decided not to renew her contract.

Making up the line-up for the 13th season are continuing dancers Alexandra Schauman, Lukasz Rozycki, Mark Hanretty, Hamish Gaman, Brendyn Hatfield and Vanessa Bauer.

Read more: Dancing on Ice announces final celebrity for 2021 line-up

Andy Buchanan and wife Robin Johnstone will also be returning to the ice, having both last competed in the ninth series.

There are a number of new names among the cast including Disney On Ice star Angela Egan, Netherland's Dancing on Ice star Klabera Komini and Yebin Mok, a member of the UK coaching elite.

In addition, Cirque Du Soleil performers Karina Manta and skating partner Joe Johnson will lead professional group performances.

Murphy shared a heartfelt statement to Instagram earlier in the year announcing that she would not be returning to the programme in 2021.

Just months earlier, she had won the 2020 series with celebrity partner Joe Swash.

"It is with a heavy heart that I release the following statement," she wrote. "For the last three years, Dancing On Ice has not only been my job, but also what I considered to be my family.

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"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 added she was "heartbroken" but that she believed "everything happens for a reason".

ITV said the line-up was reviewed each series and so sometimes looked to introduce new skaters.

"Each series the Dancing On Ice team looks at our existing line up and explores opportunities to potentially introduce some new faces to the skating professional team.

"Alex Murphy will not be appearing in the next series and we wish her all the best for the future," a spokesperson told Mirror Online.

Watch: How did Joe Swash manage to lose his Dancing on Ice trophy?