Denise Van Outen has announced that she's had to withdraw from Dancing On Ice 2021 following a shoulder injury.
Denise said she was 'gutted' after a scan to check on the progress of the injury, sustained from a fall on the ice while training, determined that she couldn't continue to skate whilst she recuperates.
Denise, 46, former presenter of The Big Breakfast, managed to skate through the 'unbearable' pain during her first performance in the launch week of the new series of the ITV skating show.
The West End and Broadway star was shocked when a recent scan revealed she had three bone fractures as well as partial disclocation.
"GUTTED!" Denise wrote on her Instagram alongside a photo of herself and her pro skating partner Matt Evers.
"If you’ve been watching @dancingonice you will be aware that just over a week ago I had a nasty fall and injured my shoulder.
"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."
Denise explained her reasons for stepping away from the ice and paid tribute to her supportive skate parter.
She said: "I won’t be able to do any lifts,tricks or solo skating on the show due to my injury.
"I’m going to bail out gracefully with my DOI bling sling. "@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.
"Chair dancing on ice with a massive pie won’t get us points on the leaderboard.
"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.
She added: "I wish all the celebs, pros and judges the best of luck for the rest of the series. I’m rooting for you all. Bunch of legends."
And Matt said: “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.”
Following Denise and Matt's departure Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler and pro-skater partner Joe Johnson will join the line up from this weekend.
A spokesperson for Dancing on Ice said: “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.”
