Dame Sarah Storey has official withdrawn from Dancing on Ice after suffering a painful injury while training.
The Paralympic grand champion, 47, took to Instagram on Friday (December 6) to break the news to her loyal legion of fans online.
She admitted that she is “gutted” to leave the competition just one month before it launches in 2025. The athlete was due to compete on the ice with her professional dance partner Sylvian Longchambon.
Sharing a snap of herself with crutches and one leg in a cast, the mum-of-two reassured fans that she is now in recovery after undergoing an operation.
Sarah captioned the post: “Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way – just as my first routine with Sylvian was really coming together [ice skating emoji].
“An awkward stumble and fall with my left foot stuck up on the ice sadly led to me fracturing my left ankle. I’m so fortunate that both Sylvian and my Coach Stephen Pickvance were by my side and knew exactly what to do and the medical backup for the show is truly world class.
“The Head of Medical Sharon Morris wasted no time in getting me to the very best surgeon so I’m already fixed and home with rehab underway!”
Despite missing out on the show, she reassured fans that she will be the show’s biggest support and will be working hard to get back on her bike “by the end of the season”.
She went on: “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 [star emoji].
“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 [muscle emoji].
“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.
“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!”
It didn’t take long before her famous friends and loyal legion of fans flooded to the comments to pass on their well wishes online.
Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon penned: “SO gutted for you Sarah.. [crying emoji] you are so strong and brave!! [heart emoji] sending big hugs”.
Her skating partner Slyvian added: “Ah Sarah it’s such a shame and the routine was coming on really well! You’re one of the most focused and hard working people I’ve met and you can be proud of what you’ve achieved [two applause emojis].
“It was a pleasure to be your skaing partner for a (too) short period, keep your head up and best of luck for your healing and rehab process, you’re an absolute trooper [muscle emoji].”
Her Dancing on Ice co-star Mark Hanretty echoed: “Gutted for you both. Sending positive vibes” as another wrote: “Oh Sarah I’m so upset for you [crying emoji, two heart emojis].”
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