Greg Rutherford has shared a health update after pulling out of the Dancing On Ice finale due to a last-minute injury.
The 37-year-old Olympian was poised to compete against Ryan Thomas, Adele Roberts, and Miles Nazaire for the trophy in the final dubbed the “closest in history” by Bookies.
However, the athlete’s participation was dashed when he suffered a “significant” injury on the morning of rehearsals.
Sharing an update on Monday, Rutherford took to Instagram to thank fans for their “kind messages” alongside a selfie of himself in bed.
He wrote: “Recovery sort of starts now... After a pretty rough first night, I'm looking forward to getting everything sorted and sewn up so I can get back to normal.
“Thank you all so much for your kind messages”.
During Sunday's thrilling live final, Ryan Thomas emerged as the victor of Dancing On Ice 2024, alongside his professional partner Amani Fancy.
The 39-year-old former Coronation Street star fought back tears as he lifted the trophy, expressing his gratitude and admiration for his partner Amani, saying: "I'm just so happy for Amani!"
Thomas then turned to the camera and sent his best wishes to missing fellow finalist: “Greg, If you're watching at home this trophy's for you”.
Rutherford checked in with fans from hospital as he took to his Instagram story to wish his fellow contestants well ahead of the live show.
He said: “I know this looks very dramatic and everything else but sadly I picked up a big injury in rehearsals.
“I am on my way to hospital and I won't be performing on Dancing On Ice tonight and I am devastated but these things happen.
“Stay tuned and I'll keep you updated but what a nightmare way for this to finish”.In a second post later from his hospital bed, the sports star said he was “devastated” not to be partaking in the final but hoped his fellow finalists “have the best time!”
An ITV spokesperson added in a statement: “Sadly Olympian Greg Rutherford MBE has had to withdraw from Dancing On Ice after sustaining an injury whilst in rehearsals for the final episode of the current series.
“Greg and Vanessa have been such a popular couple this series and have performed some truly memorable routines.
“We will be helping to support Greg and wish him well with his recovery. We also want to thank him for being such a treasured member of the Dancing on Ice family.”
