Dancing On Ice has signed up Brendan Cole despite his 'pro freedom of choice' views on Covid vaccines.
The professional dancer, 45, is said to have previously used his Instagram to criticise lockdowns and other Covid measures amid Strictly Come Dancing's own anti-vax dispute.
According to The Sun, Brendan recently deleted 'pro freedom of choice' from his Instagram bio.
Views: Dancing On Ice has signed up Brendan Cole despite his 'pro freedom of choice' views on Covid vaccines (pictured in July 2021)
An insider revealed the former Strictly star has been living in Mallorca for the past year where not many islanders are jabbed.
They said: 'Arguably Brendan's signing is controversial in itself, given that he has a dance background and will perhaps find learning the routines easier than others.
'He's been very outspoken both publicly and privately about governments trying to make people get jabbed, and how he thinks the wearing of masks is fairly pointless.
'The last thing ITV bosses will want is another anti-vaxxing row. Hopefully Brendan has privately been jabbed, and that'll be the end of the matter.'
Opinion: The professional dancer, 45, is said to have previously used his Instagram to criticise lockdowns and other Covid measures amid Strictly Come Dancing's own anti-vax dispute pictured with Sophie Ellis Bexter on Strictly in 2013)
ITV are said to be aware of Brendan's opinions and are confident their safety measures are robust enough to keep everyone protected.
Earlier this year Brendan had a disagreement with fellow Strictly professonal and former Dancing On Ice winner James Jordan.
Brendan posted a report claiming masks were ineffective and then deleted the post following a backlash.
He later wrote: 'I will point out there is plenty of evidence on the contrary and it is up to each of us what to believe. ' continue to believe that this has been the wrong way to handle things.'
A source said: 'The last thing ITV bosses will want is another anti-vaxxing row. Hopefully Brendan has privately been jabbed, and that'll be the end of the matter'
A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice said: 'We have stringent protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of all our contributors and staff which are routinely monitored and updated to reflect the current guidelines.'
It comes after several Strictly pros have called in their union over the show's recent vaccine row as ex-head judge Len Goodman blasted the 'madness' of the show continuing without mandatory jabs.
The dancers have asked for advice and support from the entertainment arts union Equity after a confrontation with show bosses, according to The Sun.
It was previously revealed that three of the professional dancers have refused the coronavirus vaccine.
They added: 'The last thing ITV bosses will want is another anti-vaxxing row. Hopefully Brendan has privately been jabbed, and that'll be the end of the matter'
The unvaccinated pros are reportedly so opposed to receiving the Covid jab, they are willing to quit the show.
Sources claim that despite others pleading for them to reconsider, the dancers, who have not been named, are steadfast in their decision not to have the jab.
A source told the newspaper: 'Both vaccinated and unvaccinated dancers have gone to the union. They want to know how to navigate their rights with BBC bosses.'
It continued that things behind the scenes are 'increasingly tense' and could even lead
