Claire Sweeney throws her support behind one 'brilliant' Dancing On Ice competitor who she claims is already performing routines worthy of the final - one year after she competed in the ITV show

Claire Sweeney has thrown her support behind 'wonderful' Corrie co-star Sam Aston as he competes in the latest series of Dancing On Ice. 

The actress, 53, who is no stranger to the rink and was eliminated third during last year's series, claimed the 31-year-old, just two weeks into the competition, was already 'doing technical things' worthy of the final.

Claire, who plays Cassie Plummer on the cobbles, spoke exclusively to MailOnline at the Gala screening of Dog Man on Sunday, where she made a rare red carpet appearance with seven-year-old Jackson.

Gushing over Sam, who plays Chesney Brown in the show, Claire, said: 'I think Sam Aston is wonderful!'.

'He is doing technical things in week two that I've only seen in a final, he’s brill, a lovely guy and he's from Corrie so [I am] rooting for him.

Claire showcased her gorgeous curves as she hit the red carpet at the VIP bash in a figure-hugging denim jumpsuit and embellished boots. 

She was also full of praise for her former pro partner Colin Grafton, 33, who is this year paired with Traitors star Mollie Pearce, 23. 

'Also I adore Colin and want him to do well, Mollie is brilliant so good luck to them'.

Following her appearance on Dancing On Ice Claire began dating fellow competitor and former boxer Ricky Hatton, 46.

However the couple split after eight months together and sun-soaked holidays with the news breaking shortly after Claire spoke about how they bonded over humour and their joint love of TV sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

Speaking Claire told MailOnline in December: 'I'm great - we're still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we're friends again. It's all good!'

The stunner previously explained she and Ricky had known each other for 25 years before sparks flew between them while the boxing champion said it was 'nice' they were able to connect following the end of their respective relationships.

She had been single following her separation from ex-Daniel Reilly, with whom she shares son Jaxon, in 2017, and Ricky, who has three children, was a free agent after his romance with beautician Angela Blemmings ended two years ago.

Claire's comments come shortly after Dancing On Ice professional Vanessa Bauer revealed she's been forced to quit the series after suffering a devastating injury.

The skater, had been performing with Love Island star Chris Taylor, but shared she's no longer able to continue in the competition after sustaining an injury in rehearsals.

Sharing the news in a video posted on Instagram Vanessa said: 'I'm here today with rather upsetting news. I am unfortunately not going to be able to continue on Dancing on Ice with Chris.

'That's really upsetting for me. I have trained Chris since October last year and it is always such an amazing achievement for myself to see someone else progress so much in a skill they've never done before.

'So it's been really rewarding for me to watch this whole journey for Chris [and] the way he's got better week since October and also since the live shows started.'

She then went on to explain what had happened and how she was having to put her health first.

Vanessa continued: 'I unfortunately had a little accident backstage last week on Dancing on Ice just before the live show on Sunday.

'And I didn't realise how bad it was then, but we did an MRI and it turned out that I have a completely torn ligament, grade three sprain injury and a major grade two sprain injury.

'I shouldn't be skating on an injury like that and so I'm taking all of the advice from the medical professionals here, I am in very good hands.' 

Revealing she would be undergoing rehab for her injury, Vanessa added: 'My pain threshold, I don't trust it, I have been skating this whole week with a lot of pain but I just didn't realise that it was such a significant injury so I didn't voice my pain.

'It just goes to show that you should listen to your body and try to tune into your body a lot.

'I don't want this injury that is already bad to get even worse and so the one sensible decision is to step away, do rehab, focus on my health - I guess mental health as well - because it's really bad that I have to leave.

'But I'm excited to get better and to get back to skating properly every single day.'

Vanessa added in the caption: 'Thank you so much for your support this season and over the past 8 years!

'There is so much really exciting stuff happening year and I’m looking forward to being properly healed for it! I’ll be there supporting you every step along the way'

Vanessa was flood by support by her co-stars and celebrity skating partner Chris who re-shared her video on his Instagram Stories and added: 'While I'm here, let me tell you something about this woman.

'She is hands down the most committed, determined and inspirational woman I have ever met. She gives everything 2000% and it's been an honour to be taught by her.

'Very, very sad we don't get to finish this together, but you've got an annoying brother for life now.'

Meanwhile Ferne McCan penned: 'Oh darling, devastating news for you. Health comes first. Wishing you a speedy recovery'.

Vanessa and Chris found themselves scoring an impressive 24 points last week during the live show as they skated to 'I'm Just Ken' from the hit Barbie movie. 

ITV have confirmed to MailOnline that Chris will continue in the competition and will skate with new partner Robin Johnstone.