Dancing On Ice isn't due to return until 2022 but the drama off the ice has already begun.

ITV announced today that the actor John Barrowman has been dropped as a judge from its hit show.

Barrowman has been a judge since 2019 but was let go after a sexual misconduct storm earlier this year.

The 54-year old admitted exposing himself to colleagues on the sets of Doctor Who and Torchwood.

South Wales Argus: Sally Dynevor and Bez are this year's contesants. Credit: ITVSally Dynevor and Bez are this year's contesants. Credit: ITV

A spokeswoman for ITV confirmed his departure and explained that Barrowman would be returning for the show's All Star Musicals specials in the upcoming series. 

Excitement for the 2022 series is already growing with two celebrities already confirmed to be starring in the 2022 line up.

Coronation Street actor Sally Dynevor and Happy Monday actor Bez will be taking to the ice next year.

But it's still unclear who will be judging their performances and taking over from John Barrowman next series.

According to Betfair, former Dancing on Ice winner and Strictly pro James Jordan is the favourite to sit on the judging panel.

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: "With John Barrowman departing the show, outspoken former winner of Dancing on Ice and former Strictly star James Jordan is odds on at 4/7 to replace the Torchwood actor.

"He is the clear favourite for the role, ahead of another former winner Ray Quinn at 8/1 and ex-pro dancer Matt Evers at 12/1.

"British sporting hero Eddie the Eagle is an outside bet at 25/1."

Who will replace John Barrowman?

The Bookies' favourites to replace John Barrowman are: 

James Jordan: 4/7

Ray Quinn: 8/1

Matt Evers: 12/1

Jason Gardiner: 14/1

Daniel Whiston: 14/1

Jordan Banjo: 20/1

Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards:  25/1

You can keep up to date and get to know all of this year's contesants on our profiles.

Dancing On Ice will return on ITV in 2022.