Why did Denise Van Outen quit Dancing On Ice?

31 January 2021, 17:30

Why did Denise Van Outen leave Dancing On Ice?
Why did Denise Van Outen leave Dancing On Ice? Picture: Instagram/Denise Van Outen
Polly Foreman

By Polly Foreman

Denise Van Outen was forced to pull out of Dancing On Ice following a shoulder injury - here's your need-to-know.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Denise Van Outen would sadly be leaving Dancing On Ice.

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The presenter 46, who was partnered with Matt Evers in the ITV competition, revealed on Tuesday that she had undergone a scan on her shoulder, and it was determined that she couldn't continue with the competition.

Taking to Instagram, she wrote: "GUTTED! 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.

"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.

Denise 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 ⛸ #dancingonice2021".

Speaking about her departure, Matt Evers said in a statement: “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.

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"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."

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ITV also 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."

Following their departure, a new couple will step into the main cast - with Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler and her pro-skater partner Joe Johnson joining the line up from this Sunday.

Dancing On Ice is on Sundays at 6pm on ITV

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