Denise van Outen has revealed that she has been forced to pull out of Dancing On Ice due to a shoulder injury.
The 46-year-old suffered the injury during training and following a check-up scan this morning, she was advised to quit the competition in order to fully recover.
"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," she wrote on Instagram.
"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.
"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."
Van Outen's pro partner Matt Evers 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."
A show 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."
Van Outen will be replaced by Team GB gymnast Amy Tinkler, who will join the show with pro partner Joe Johnson this weekend.
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