It follows allegations in the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant on Saturday that Hof physically and psychologically abused his ex-girlfriend, their son, and her two eldest children for 13 years.

Hof, 65, has denied all allegations, and said he "is not violent," and claimed his ex is on "the warpath" and "now wants to make it all seem different than it was".

He has since filed a complaint for alleged defamation and slander. He says he also intends to file a civil case against De Volksrant.

A statement provided to Sky News by Hof's company, Wim Hof Method, said the star did not "recognise himself" in the accusations described in the Dutch news article.

Characterising his relationship with his former partner, who was named in the article only as Carolina, as "unhealthy," Hof said he was "saddened" how the "difficult period" had impacted her and her children, adding "he hopes for their well-being".

The statement questioned the reliability of at least one of De Volksrants's sources and said responses to 40 questions put to Hof before publication "were either not included or were very briefly mentioned in the article".

They also said other sources who spoke positively about Hof were either not included or were mentioned only briefly, creating a "one-sided and incorrect" version of events.

Hof's eldest son, Enahm Hof, who was mentioned in the Dutch article and runs the family business, said in a statement given to The Guardian newspaper that the allegations of abuse were "entirely false," calling them "grossly exaggerated" and "deeply hurtful".

'Inspiring, moving and very funny'

The movie biopic had been set to star Joseph Fiennes as the eccentric health guru, who gained worldwide prominence for his love of cold-water training. Fiennes was also listed as a co-producer.

The British production company behind the film said in a statement: "Genesius Pictures can confirm that due to the severity of the allegations, this production, which was in development only and had not begun filming, is on hold".

The film also had director Kevin Macdonald and screenwriter Jeff Pope attached, and was set to explore Hof's rise to fame from a struggling single father and postman to a world-famous health guru, with a legion of celebrity fans.

Titled The Iceman, it was announced in 2022, and had previously been billed as an "inspiring", "moving" and "at times very funny".

The website for the film has since been taken offline.

Controversial method

Born in the Netherlands, Hof, was one of nine children and has an identical twin brother. He is a father of six.

His first wife took her own life in 1995, with Hof previously saying his time spent in freezing water was the only time he didn't think about the loss.

In 2007, Hof completed an Arctic marathon barefoot, but the same year had to abort a mission to climb Mount Everest wearing just shorts and sandals due to a foot injury.

Despite his fame and legion of celebrity fans, there has been controversy over his method of using freezing water, willpower and breathing techniques to improve health.

Family members of a number of people who died while allegedly attempting Hof's methods have previously raised concerns over the safety of the wellness trend.

While the NHS says cold therapy can help reduce swelling and pain, it also says it can cause cold shock, which can lead to hyperventilation, increased blood pressure, and muscle weakness. It warns that it can be dangerous for people with heart conditions.