Rachel Stevens will unfortunately have to sit out what would have been her first time performing on ice after fracturing her wrist.
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A fractured wrist
While training, the 43-year-old fell and fractured her wrist. The medical team from the show has since advised the mother-of-two to take time off and recover to avoid further strain on the injury. A Dancing on Ice rep confirmed:
Due to an injury sustained in training and on the expert advice from the Dancing on Ice medical professionals, Rachel Stevens will not skate in this Sunday's show. We look forward to her returning to the show next weekend.
She is now due to skate alongside partner, Brendyn Hatfield, for the first time on Week 3 of the competition, scheduled on Sunday 30 January. In a statement on Instagram, Stevens said:
Thank you so much for all your lovely messages of support today. A huge thank you to @sharonmorrisonuk and all the team @dancingonice for taking such good care of me.
And added:
My wrist is healing really well and @brendynhatfield and I have been working really hard and doing everything we can to get back on the ice as soon as possible. I’m so lucky to have such a great partner and we’re so excited to share our performance with you week 3! Bring it on!
Read more:
⋙ S Club 7's Rachel Stevens still struggling with trauma from pop star days
⋙ Remember S Club 7’s Rachel Stevens? Here’s what she’s up to now
⋙ Dancing On Ice: Bez tests positive for COVID, will he have to forfeit?
Partner Brendyn Hatfield's words of encouragement
The pro skater and former coach took to social media to comfort his injured partner and promised fans the unexpected delay will be worth the wait. He said:
You’ve been working so incredibly hard to get healed quickly and stay fit for the show. When we get through this I’m excited to show everyone what you have accomplished given such an unforeseen challenge. Proud of you.