Canada’s ‘Dancing On Ice’ Favorite Sean Rice Dead at 49

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Sean Rice with family

‘Dancing On Ice’ star Sean Rice has died, aged 49.

The Canadian professional ice skater took part on the ITV competition in 2011 and 2012, and was a favorite with fans.

He also competed in the World Championships with his wife, and fellow professional skater, Jodeyne Higgins, with whom he shares daughter Signey.

Close friends confirmed that he died on January 14.

Skater Frankie Poultney posted the sad news on social media, sharing a video of his best moments on the ice.

‘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,’ Frankie tweeted.

Quoting her post, DOI legend Matt Evers paid tribute to the late star, posting: ‘One of the best… thank you Sean for your gift. This routine from The Professionals on Ice was incredible.

Rice came to fame with his prowess on the ice, competing as a pair skater alongside wife and professional partner Higgins.

They took home bronze at the Nebelhorn Trophy in 1992, and again at the Canadian Nationals the following year.

Following their professional success, the pair began touring professionally, before Rice joined the ‘Dancing On Ice’ line-up.

Rice appeared as a professional skater on the ITV series in 2011, where he was paired with newsreader Angela Rippon.

He returned to the rink the following year with Chemmy Alcott, and the pair were eliminated shortly before the final.

Rice is survived by wife Jodeyne Higgins and their daughter, Signey.

A GoFundMe fundraiser page was set up on Saturday in the late star’s honor, to make sure his wife and daughter are properly looked after.

The cause of his death has not been revealed.