Tributes are pouring in.

Tributes are rolling in for Dancing on Ice professional skater Sean Rice who has died at aged 49. The ice skater appeared on the show in 2011 and 2012 and according to friends, he passed away on January 14th. Frankie Poultney, a close friend of Sean's and a fellow ice skater, revealed the heartbreaking news on Twitter. Frankie wrote: "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. "Sean Rice, 20/07/72 - 14/01/22 gone too soon, but we will Love You For A Thousand Years. All of our thoughts are with Signey and Jodeyne." A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice also commented, saying: "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." https://twitter.com/FrankieSk8/status/1482479587972071434 Sean was a pro skater on the hit ITV series, dancing with former newsreader Angela Rippon in 2011 and Alpine ski racer, Chemmy Alcott a year later in 2012. Chemmy has paid tribute to her partner on Twitter, writing: "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." Other professional skaters have also paid tribute with Matt Evers saying: " https://twitter.com/ChemmySki/status/1482610475024232448 One of the best... thank you Sean for your gift. "This routine from The Professionals on Ice was incredible. It was a pleasure to know and work with you." Sean's friend Frankie has shared a GoFundMe page which was launched in the wake of the sad news of Sean's death, with organiser Mary White writing on the page: "The world has lost a great man - a coach, son, friend, husband and poppa bear. It's with immense sadness to say that Sean Rice has passed away. "Sean was a passionate, larger than life man who would stop and give to anyone who needed him. It's with that same spirit, we are reaching out to everyone to pour prayers and love over Jodeyne and Signey during this very difficult time. "So many people have reached out asking how they can help and so we have set up this Go Fund account to support Jodeyne and Signey at this time. Let's take care of them the same way Sean always took care of others." Sean has left behind his wife Jodeyne Higgins and their daughter Signey.