Matterface to take over Dancing On Ice role after Chapman axing

Racing personality Matt Chapman has been sacked from his new role on ITV's Dancing On Ice after just one episode. His replacement was announced on Friday as Talksport radio host and football commentator Sam Matterface.

There was significant criticism on social media following Chapman's debut after he took over commentary duties from the late Tony Gubba and ITV bosses took the decision to replace Chapman for the remainder of the ten-week show.

A polarising personality even within a sport he knows inside out and loves deeply, Chapman drew complaints from some Dancing On Ice viewers for his boisterous commentary style.

Chapman, who had been excitedly tweeting about putting in the hours and getting to know the moves and the 12 contestants – who this year include Coronation Street actors Brooke Vincent and Antony Cotton, and Love Island star Kem Cetinay, had vowed to win over his critics after the feedback to his first effort but bosses have decided not to give him that opportunity.

Chapman's agent Peter Burrell said in a statement: "ITV have fulfilled all of their contractual obligations with us. We are very satisfied with that. We are surprised by the decision, but it is an internal matter at ITV and we move on."

An ITV spokesman said: "We can confirm that Matt Chapman has left the show and wish him all the very best. We look forward to him reporting for ITV Racing at Warwick this weekend."

Some others to get their skates on early

Matt Chapman's one-week tenure as commentator on Dancing On Ice sees him join an illustrious list of short-lived appointments.

Sam Allardyce: not a hit with EnglandCredit: Getty Images

England manager Sam Allardyce was in charge for just one game – a 1-0 victory away to Slovakia in 2016 – before he was caught in a newspaper sting for advising a reporter on how to overcome third-party ownership of players.

US president Donald Trump sacked White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci just 11 days after his appointment following a series of chaotic media appearances. Trump tweeted on the day of the sacking: "A great day at the White House."

Torquay United parted company with manager Leroy Rosenior after just ten minutes in 2007. A local consortium took over as owners of the Devon Club at the same time as Rosenior was putting pen to paper.

Chapman's first effort on ITV Racing also met with mixed reviews after it featured a game of 'hair or no hair' with a hat-wearing rails bookmaker, while Epsom stood him down from Derby presenting duties after calling John Gosden 'Johnny G' during the post-race presentation of the Oaks honours.

However, Chapman garnered universal praise after starting a fundraiser for the paralysed jockey Freddy Tylicki, raising over £250,000.

The presenter was broadcasting live from Chelmsford on At The Races on Thursday evening and is next due to appear on terrestrial television as part of ITV4's Opening Show on Saturday morning at 9.30am.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com