Sean Rice: who was Dancing on Ice professional skater who has died at 49 - and when was he on ITV show?

Sean Rice, a former professional dancer on Dancing on Ice, has passed away at 49.

Rice last appeared on Dancing on Ice a decade ago. He appeared on the ITV show in the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Rice passed away on January 14 2022. His death was announced on the morning of January 1; however, the cause of death has not yet been shared by his family.

Who was Sean Rice?

Sean Rice was a professional ice dancer, who appeared on Dancing on Ice in 2011 and 2012.

In 2011 he was partnered with former newsreader Angela Rippon, and in 2012 he was partnered with Alpine ski racer Chemmy Alcott.

Rice is survived by his wife Jodeyne Higgins and their daughter Signey. Higgins was also a professional ice skater, and competed with Rice at the 1992 Nebelhorn Trophy and at the 1993 Canadian Nationals.

Rice and Higgins won a number of gold and bronze medals at different professional competitions.

What have people said about Sean Rice?

A spokesperson for the ITV series said “We are all deeply saddened to hear this news. Sean was a wonderful skater and friend to many on the Dancing On Ice team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Chemmy Alcott, who danced with Rice in 2012, tweeted “Have just heard the tragic news that Sean Rice, my partner from DOI, has passed away.”

“The world will miss your amazing energy and your healing hands. All my love to J and S.”

His friend and fellow professional dancer Frankie Poultney tweeted “Pro skaters are heartbroken today, we lost a true larger than life great - an epic skater, a husband, father, and my friend of 20 years”.

In February 2022, Dancing on Ice professional skaters Alexandra Schauman and Lukasz Rozycki performed a routine dedicated to Rice. The pair had specially choreographed it in his memory.

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