Dancing On Ice head coach Karen Barber was overcome with emotion during Sunday night’s final after Greg Rutherford was forced to quit the skating competition just hours before the show.
The 37-year-old Olympian would have to compete against Ryan Thomas, Adele Roberts and Miles Nazaire for the trophy, but his hopes of participation were shattered after he suffered a ‘significant’ injury on the morning of rehearsals.
And as presenters Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern played a tribute to Greg and gave an update on his condition, Karen broke down as she struggled to hold back her tears live on air.
Together with the show’s creative Dan Whitston, he explained that Greg had suffered an injury during training in a “really bad accident.”
He told the crowd: ‘We’re so sad to let him go but obviously we wish him all the best and he was doing so well so it was so frustrating.’
Dancing On Ice head coach Karen Barber broke down in tears during Sunday night’s final after Greg Rutherford was forced to leave the show hours before the final due to a serious injury
Greg updated fans on his injury and contacted fans from the hospital as he took to his Instagram Story to wish his fellow contestants the best of luck ahead of the live show
Karen added: “From day one we both predicted they would be in the final. Both Olympians, if you put them together it could easily have been gold.’
After watching a highlight of his best bits, Holly put a comforting arm around Karen’s shoulder as she said: “It’s sad.”
Stephen held her hand and exclaimed, “Oh, don’t get upset,” while Holly said, “It’s hard to watch when you know what happened.”
Greg’s professional partner Vanessa James announced the news in an Instagram post on Sunday, sharing: ‘Unfortunately, Greg suffered a significant injury during rehearsals this morning and will not be able to perform tonight.
“We’re on our way to the hospital where Greg will be further examined and receive the treatment he needs.”
Greg updated fans of his injury and contacted fans from hospital earlier today, taking to his Instagram Story to wish his fellow contestants the best of luck ahead of the live show.
He said: ‘I know this looks very dramatic and everything else, but unfortunately I suffered a major injury during rehearsals.
‘I’m on my way to hospital and I won’t be performing on Dancing On Ice tonight and I’m devastated but these things happen.
After watching a highlight of his best bits, Holly put a comforting arm around Karen’s shoulder as she said: ‘It’s sad’
Holding her hand, Stephen exclaimed: “Oh, don’t get upset,” while Holly said: “It’s hard to watch when you know what happened.”
He said: ‘I know this looks very dramatic and everything else, but unfortunately I suffered a major injury during rehearsals. ‘I’m on my way to hospital and I won’t be performing on Dancing On Ice tonight and I’m devastated but these things happen’
“Stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted, but what a nightmare to end this.”
In a second video later from his hospital bed, he said: Good evening everyone and first of all thank you so much for all the messages, but my message for the three incredible finalists who will be skating soon is: have an incredible evening.
‘I’m devastated that I can’t be there tonight. It’s going to be incredible and amazing, it’s going to be a great show, I love you all and hopefully I’ll see you all soon. Just go crush it, have the best time!’
An ITV spokesperson added in a statement to MailOnline: ‘Unfortunately Olympian Greg Rutherford MBE has had to withdraw from Dancing On Ice after sustaining an injury during rehearsals for the final episode of the current series.
‘Greg and Vanessa have been such a popular couple on this series and have performed some truly memorable routines.
‘We will help support Greg and wish him the best of luck with his recovery. We would also like to thank him for being such a valued member of the Dancing on Ice family.”
Earlier this week, Greg said The mirror his time in the league could be over after suffering a painful groin injury four weeks ago.
‘At first I was devastated, that’s typical for me, an injury at the wrong time. But thanks to Sharon, the physio who works on the show has done tireless work to keep me going and doing well,” the Olympian said.
Greg’s professional partner Vanessa James announced the news in an Instagram post on Sunday, sharing: ‘Unfortunately, Greg suffered a significant injury during rehearsals this morning and will not be able to perform tonight.
Earlier this week, Greg told The Mirror that his time in the competition may be over after suffering a painful groin injury four weeks ago
“We’re in a situation right now where, yes, it’s still healing and there’s a little bit of pain and tightness. But I can do what we need to do. Fortunately I am here and I really enjoy being here.’
The athlete admitted the final hurdle will be an attempt at the Bolero – although he is ‘glad’ he still made it to the final.
Greg also highlighted being voted best skater in the solo skate, something he called a “really proud moment.”
“All in all I’m super excited but I’m ignoring the fact that there’s still a little bit of an injury but that’s fine. I hope everyone loves the showcase, and that we get to do the Bolero. Then, who knows at that point, who knows!,” he added.
