Denise Van Outen has been forced to withdraw from this year’s Dancing On Ice due to injury.
The star of stage and screen suffered a shoulder injury in training earlier this month, and her latest scan has ruled her out of continuing in the competition.
She announced the news to her Instagram followers on Tuesday, shortly after attending hospital.
She wrote: “I managed to skate my first dance with @themattevers on the live show through a gritted smile because the pain was unbearable.
“I’ve tried as hard as I can to carry on because I love the show and the amazing team in front and behind the cameras. Initially we thought with rest I could make a return to the ice, but a recent MRI scan has shown that I have 3 bone fractures as well as a partial dislocation. OUCH! No wonder I’ve been in agony.”
She explained the injury would mean she’d be unable to do any lifts or tricks while she recovers.
Paying tribute to her professional partner Matt Evers, who moved in with Denise and her family to form a Covid-safe bubble while training and competing, she continued: ”@themattevers has been the most incredible support and skate partner (a true friend) and I’m so grateful for his expertise in teaching me (ice virgin) the basics. I just wish I was well enough to learn all the fabulous tricks my injury won’t allow me to do.
“I’m actually proud of what I’ve achieved ( not much, lowest scores so far). If you don’t mind I’m going to give myself a couple of points for bravery for doing cartwheels on Ice at 46 with broken bones.”
Denise added that she was wishing the celebs, pros and judges “the best of luck for the rest of the series”, saying: “I’m rooting for you all. Bunch of legends.”
She will now be replaced by standby contestant, Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler, who will be paired up with pro-skater Joe Johnson.
The couple will perform for the first time this weekend.
Matt remarked he was “devastated” his and Denise’s time in the competition had come to such an abrupt end.
He said in a statement: “Denise has worked so incredibly hard these past few months and I’m devastated that she’s unable to show everyone what a beautiful skater she’s become.
“It’s sad that the competition must end now for both Denise and I but it’s most important that she takes the time to heal and recover.
“I loved our time on the ice together and I love the wonderful friendship that we will always have. I’m gutted to have Denise leave the show and equally gutted that last Sunday’s hug will be my last for a while.”
An ITV spokesperson added: “We adore Denise and Matt and we’re so very sad to see them leave the competition so soon. They are both much loved members of the Dancing On Ice family and we’d like to thank them for their hard work, from the moment they began training through to the joyful performances they brought to the show.
“We wish Denise all the very best as she now takes some time to make a full recovery.”
Dancing On Ice continues on Sunday at 6pm on ITV.