Michael Barrymore quits Dancing On Ice after breaking wrist during rehearsals

Michael Barrymore’s has quit Dancing On Ice weeks before the launch.

The former TV presenter is said to have broken his wrist after falling over on the ice during training.

He confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: “Took a nasty fall on the ice last Friday during rehearsals and sadly broke my left wrist.

“Absolutely devastated to hear that I can’t go on back on the ice for a while.

“Really enjoyed every single moment of being part of the terrific show and working with all the incredibly talented people involved x” 

He will be replaced by Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya.

A spokesperson from ITV said: “Owing to an injury sustained in training, Michael Barrymore has had to withdraw from the competition.

“Michael has been a fantastic addition to the Dancing on Ice family and we wish him all the best.

“Presenter Radzi Chinyanganya will take his place, and will be partnered with professional skater Jessica Hatfield.” 

However, Barrymore will still be seen in Dancing on Ice at Christmas, which airs on ITV this Sunday at 7pm,  because the show was pre-recorded last week. 

Alex Murphy remains on the show as a professional skater.

In a further statement, Barrymore said: “Shortly after shooting the “Dancing On Ice” Christmas Special I took a tumble whilst rehearsing for the January shows.

“After the fall, I thought I had sprained my wrist but it turns out that it is broken. Unfortunately, the medics have told me that I cannot compete.

“I am absolutely devastated; I have loved every second of the journey so far with my wonderful dance partner Alex Murphy and the support from the public has been overwhelming. 

“I have been fortunate enough to work with such a great bunch of people over the previous few months; trainers, celebrities, pro skaters, the judges, Holly and Phil and the incredible production team at ITV who really are exceptional and help to make it the fantastic show that it is.”

“I shall be in the studio for the first show on Sunday 5th January and hope to make other appearances throughout. I would like to wish the whole of “Dancing On Ice” 2020 the best of luck.”

Chinyanganya added: “I am thrilled and privileged to be part of the ‘Dancing On Ice 2020’ cast. I am absolutely gutted for Michael, who is one of my all-time favourite TV presenters, and I wish him a speedy recovery.

“I’ve only got two weeks to get ready to ice skate in front of the nation so I’m looking forward to a Christmas and New Year filled with training on the ice!”

Barrymore was part of the line-up for the 2020 series alongside stars including Love Island’s Maura Higgins, Ian H Watkins, Trisha Goddard, Caprice, Lisa George, Lucrezia Millarini, Kevin Kilbane, Perri Kiely, Libby Clegg and Ben Hanlin.

He’s not the first of them to suffer an injury either as Higgins previously had to skip a handful of rehearsals after suffering pain in her ribs. 

Higgins’ skating partner Alex Demetriou filmed the 29-year-old curled up on the couch in pain.

The professional skater said: “Hello Maura’s Instagram. She can’t say hello right now because she’s in pain. It’s like the end of the world.”

The Love Island 2019 finalist added: “I think I’ve broken my ribs, and I’m being deadly serious. So we can’t skate.”

H From Steps has been paired up with Matt Evers and the duo will make history by being the first ever same-sex couple to compete on the show. 

This series will be ground-breaking in more ways than one as Paralympian Clegg will be the first ever blind contestant. 

Dancing on Ice returns in early 2020.