Dancing on Ice star Sean Rice dies aged 49

'Dancing on Ice' star Sean Rice has died at the age of 49.

The figure skater - who starred on the ITV show in 2011 and 2012 - passed away on January 14.

Alongside a video of his best moments on the ice, skater Frankie Poultney wrote on Twitter: "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. (sic)"

Fellow 'Dancing on Ice' star Matt Evers has also taken to Twitter to pay tribute to his late co-star.

The 45-year-old skater described Sean as "incredible".

He wrote on the micro-blogging platform: "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… [broken-heart emoji] (sic)"

Sean's cause of death has not yet been revealed.

However, a GoFundMe page has already been set up to support Sean's wife, Jodeyne Higgins, and their daughter, Signey.

A message on the site reads: "In Memory of Sean Rice. 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. (sic)"