Josh Jones has had to pull out of the competition just hours before tonight’s Dancing On Ice live show. The comedian had been paired with professional skater Tippy Packard, but has been forced to withdraw from the contest after suffering an injury while rehearsing, reports the Mirror.
A message on the official Dancing On Ice Instagram page said: “Josh Jones sustained an injury during rehearsals and has had to withdraw from Dancing on Ice. Josh and Tippy’s partnership will be greatly missed. We will be helping to support Josh and wish him well with his recovery.”
Fans shared their upset over the statement, with one commenting: “Oh that’s so sad. He did so well last week and had improved so much. Hope he’s better soon.”
Another user wrote: “Dancing on Ice is dangerous which is why many celebrities won’t risk doing it. This is bad news for Josh Jones and this series. I would like to see Chelsee Healey return but l know DOI won’t do that.”
Others agreed, suggesting that eliminated Chelsee Healey should be brought back into the competition following Josh’s untimely exit. One commented: “Aww that’s a shame. I hope he recovers, but then they could always bring back @chelseehealey.”
This surprise departure comes just months after Dame Sarah Storey was forced to quit the show after also sustaining a painful injury. The cyclist and swimmer took to her Instagram page to share snaps of her leg in a cast after fracturing her left ankle weeks before the show even began.
She wrote: “Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way – just as my first routine with @slongchambon was really coming together!
“An awkward stumble and fall with my left foot stuck on the ice sadly led to me fracturing my left ankle. I’m so fortunate that both Sylvain and Coach @stephenpickavance were by my side and knew exactly what to do and that the medical backup for the show is truly world class.
“The Head of Medical @sharonmorrisonuk wasted no time in getting me to the very best surgeon so I’m already fixed and home with rehab underway!”
Sarah, who won multiple gold medals in the Paralympic Games, continued: “Whilst I can’t wear my left skating boot in time to take to the ice in January, I’m working with the team at ITV to come up with a plan for what’s next and I’ll always be the biggest cheerleader of the awesome group that is the Class of 2025.
“In the meantime I’ll be fully focused on all the strength and mobility work I need to do to get back to full power and of course back to my bike ahead of next season! My career has seen so many ups and downs with injury and illness, plus returning after two babies, which means I’m well equipped for another comeback.
“Thankfully the surgeon said I have strong bones so otherwise it could have been a lot worse. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to start learning to skate with the most awesome people (see pics 4-7). I couldn’t have asked for a better professional partner and coaching team around me. So for now my plans might be interrupted….. but you better believe there’s more news to come!”
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