Dancing On Ice fans left distraught as Greg Rutherford is forced to QUIT the show hours before live final due to a major injury as viewers wish him a speedy recovery: ‘Gutted, he was surely going to be the winner’

Dancing On Ice fans have been left distraught after Greg Rutherford was forced to quit the show mere hours before the live final on Sunday. 

The Olympian, 37, was set to battle it all out against Ryan Thomas, Adele Roberts and Miles Nazaire for the trophy, with bookies’ calling it the ‘closest final in history’ with the odds on who would win.

Yet Greg’s hopes of taking part have been shattered after he sustained a ‘significant’ injury on the morning of rehearsals.

And fans were beside themselves after hearing the news as they sent their support to the sportsman, wishing him a speeding recovery. 

Taking to Twitter many fans revealed they had hoped Greg would win as they shared their disappointment that he had been forced to withdraw.

One wrote: ‘Such a shame Greg Rutherford isn’t able to skate in the final. Was looking forward to seeing his routines and wanted him to win. Wishing him a speedy recovery.’

A second penned: ‘So sorry to hear that Greg Rutherford has withdrawn from the Dancing on Ice final due to injury. I had really hoped he’d win. Get well soon’.

A third commented: ‘What a shame that Greg Rutherford has had to pull out of the Dancing on Ice final because of an injury, he’s been my favourite since day 1.’

His pro partner Vanessa James broke the news in an Instagram post on Sunday, sharing: ‘Unfortunately Greg has sustained a significant injury this morning at rehearsals and won’t be able to perform tonight. 

‘We are on our way to the hospital for Greg to get examined further and receive the treatment he needs.’

On reading the news another fan wrote: ‘NOOOOOOO!!!!!! Aaaahh what a shame. Sending big hugs to him and Venessa. They must be devastated’.  

Another added: ‘Gutted! Really wanted Greg to win! Hope he’s ok! Votes going to Adele now’.

While another chimed: ‘I’m so sad that Greg won’t be performing in tonight’s final – he was one of my favourites. I wish you a speedy recovery @GregRutherford and thank you for your wonderful performances xx’

Another added: ‘We must get Adele or Ryan to win now’.

Another wished him a speedy recovery as they exclaimed: ‘Gutted that Greg and Vanessa won’t be performing tonight on the final and wishing Greg a speedy recovery’.

Another penned: ‘Noooo! Oh I hope he is ok. He was my winner based on previous weeks performances. Get well soon Greg.’

Updating fans on his injury, Greg checked in with fans from hospital as he took to his Instagram story to wish his fellow contestants well ahead of the live show. 

He said: ‘I know this looks very dramatic and everything else but sadly I picked up a big injury in rehearsals.

‘I am on my way to hospital and I won’t be performing on Dancing On Ice tonight and I am devastated but these things happen.

‘Stay tuned and I’ll keep you updated but what a nightmare way for this to finish’.

In a second video later from his hospital bed, he said: Good evening everybody and firstly a massive thank you for all the messages but my message for the three incredible finalists that will be skating shortly is have an incredible night.

‘I am devastated I can’t be there with you tonight. It is going to be incredible and amazing have a great show, love you all and hopefully I will see you all soon. Just go and smash it, have the best time!’

An ITV spokesperson added in a statement to MailOnline: ‘Sadly Olympian Greg Rutherford MBE has had to withdraw from Dancing On Ice after sustaining an injury whilst in rehearsals for the final episode of the current series. 

‘Greg and Vanessa have been such a popular couple this series and have performed some truly memorable routines. 

‘We will be helping to support Greg and wish him well with his recovery. We also want to thank him for being such a treasured member of the Dancing on Ice family.’

Earlier this week, Greg told The Mirror his time on the competition might be over after sustaining a painful groin injury four weeks ago.

‘I was gutted at first, that’s classic me, an injury right at the wrong time. But due to Sharon, the physio who works for the show, has done a tireless job to keep me going and doing well,’ said the Olympian.

‘We are currently in a situation where, yes, it is still healing and there’s a little bit of soreness and tightness. But I am able to do what we need to do. Thankfully I am here and I’m thrilled to be here as well.’ 

The athlete admitted the last hurdle will be attempting to do the Bolero – although he is ‘happy’ to have made it to the final regardless.

Greg also highlighted being voted best skater in the solo skate, something he called a ‘really proud moment’.

‘All in all, thrilled to bits, I’m ignoring the fact there’s still a little bit of an injury there but that’s fine. I’m hoping the showcase, everyone loves it, and we get to do the Bolero. Then, who knows at that point, who knows!,’ he added.

Greg previously revealed rehearsals was doing wonders for his health and he was in great shape after losing 7kg since joining the ITV show. 

The long jump star added his journey on Dancing On Ice helped him find a great balance while eating better and training.

The athlete – who is now retired – said the show gave him a purpose for training and ‘feeling better in myself’, which he described as a ‘kick up the bum to stay fit and healthy’.

During last week’s show the first dance saw all four semi finalists take to the ice for a group skate without their professionals in a rock themed routine, before being scored individually by the panel.

The showstopping skate to Highway to Hell featured incredible pyrotechnics and had the celebs showcasing their skills with intricate lifts.

The judges agreed Greg was the winner with five points, followed by Miles with four, Ryan with three points, Adele with two and in last place came Amber Davies with one point.

Greg oozed confidence during the routine that was lit by pyrotechnics and also saw him skate on top a grand piano.

Motsi gave the couple 9.5 while Ashley, Jayne and Christopher all opted to score nine points, resulting in 36.5 out of a possible 40.

At the end of the show, Amber lost to Adele in the dreaded skate-off, leaving the show and cementing the place of the final four.  

Greg’s Dancing On Ice stint comes seven years after the retired track and field athlete appeared on Strictly. 

It also follows a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the 2022 Winter Olympics following his dreams of joining Britain’s bobsleigh team.

Greg holds an MBE, a gold medal and also won Celebrity Masterchef. 

The Dancing On Ice grand final airs on Sunday March 10 at 6.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. 

Most shocking Dancing On Ice injuries EVER from broken bones and sliced scalps to hospital dashes – amid claims the show could be facing the axe 

Every year as the competition hits ITV, there are a number of injuries caused by the treacherous ice – with Greg Rutherford, Ryan Thomas and Roxy Shahidi among the victims this year. 

Iconic Falls 

Todd Carty surprised everyone (including himself) when he lost his balance and found himself flying down the tunnel during his performance back in 2014. 

Skating alongside his partner Susie Lipanova, suddenly the former EastEnders actor, 60, lost his balance and flew down the tunnel off stage, while Susie completed the routine alone. 

Judge Jason Gardiner said at the time: ‘Todd you’re like a derailed locomotion’, as the star was voted out in week four. 

Meanwhile Gemma Collins took a serious tumble when her graceful routine to Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back To Me Now suffered a bump in the road. 

As the TOWIE star, 42, tripped and fell on the rink back in 2019, her professional partner Matt Evers rushed to her aid. 

Returning to the show as an audience member for the show’s Christmas special later that year, she said: ‘I got so excited, I just went too over the top with my movement, which you’re not allowed to do in ice skating and my toe pick got caught – and bang. 

‘I thought I was dead. I literally thought I was dead.’ 

Joe Pasquale managed to fall off the ice in his week one routine to Queen’s Flash.

Skating towards a podium for the finale of the routine, the actor, 62, flew off the ice and landed in a heap, before quickly clambering to his feet and stumbling to the top of the podium for an epic finish.

Host Christine Lampard joked: ‘Well he not only entertained us, I think he possibly winded himself as well.’ 

Injuries on the ice 

Skating is a famously dangerous sport, and contestants are constantly aware of the perils involved while taking part. 

Brookside actress Jennifer Ellison, 40, accidentally struck herself in the head with her skate while trying to perform a tricky manoeuvre back in 2012. 

Despite the injury during the ‘scorpion kick’ she bravely continued to finish her routine, receiving her highest score up until that point. 

The blonde left the ring as soon as her routine ended to receive medical help with blood pouring from her head. 

Meanwhile in 2006, England goal keeper David Seaman accidentally dropped partner Pam O’Connor during rehearsals. 

The footballer attempted to swing his partner round by her feet only to hit her face on the ice and result in a hospital dash. 

Accusations of bullying   

Supermodel Caprice Bourett accused pro Hamish Gaman of bullying after she exited the show after two weeks in 2020. 

Reports claimed she was ‘poised to sue ITV over the fallout’ and allegations that the skater ‘gaslighted’ her in tough training sessions. 

Caprice was said to have complained about Hamish and the duo were assigned a supervisor to watch their rehearsals.

Despite the allegations, ITV said they ‘found no evidence of bullying’ on the show. 

ITV told MailOnline at the time: ‘We take allegations of bullying very seriously but found no evidence on Dancing On Ice and we strongly refute any suggestion to the contrary.

‘We’re very proud of the team, both on and off screen. They produce a fantastic show and we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works on the programme is fully supported.’

On screen arguments 

Former judge Jason Gardiner, 52, left the show four years ago, following a series that saw him at loggerheads with contestant Gemma Collins. 

The drama between Jason and Gemma played out on the 2019 series, with them at each other’s throats during the critiquing.

It eventually reached boiling point when the TOWIE star accused the judge of ‘selling stories’ about her and her apparent poor work ethic. 

The uproar eventually cost Jason his job on the show and he was replaced in 2018 by John Barrowman, 56 – before he faced the chop due to accusations of inappropriate behaviour. 

But his altercation with Gemma wasn’t his first after he found himself face to face with Denise Welch’s then husband Tim Healy back in 2011. 

After Jason described Denise and Matt’s routine as ‘watching two people playing Twister’ and called her upbeat routine from the week before ‘abysmal’ Tim decided to take matters into his own hands. 

As the audience cheered the Benidorm actor went face to face with Jason as he said: ‘Listen mate she’s 52 and she’s got four jobs, how many jobs have you got?’

‘Oh my God you’re breath!’ exclaimed Jason as he dramatically wafted the air, as Holly joked: ‘You mess with Denise you mess with her husband’. 

Backstage romances 

Just like its rival Strictly Come Dancing, the ITV show is no stranger to the dreaded curse and stars finding love with their professional partners.  

Coronation Street’s Samia Ghadie, 41, split from her co-star Will Thorp and found happiness with French skater Sylvain Longchambon, 43, – with whom she is now married and shares a son.

The budding romance also saw Sylvain split from Hollyoaks’ Jennifer Metcalfe, 40, after also meeting her on the ITV show. 

EastEnders’ Shona McGarty and former co-star Matt Lapinskas ended their romance during his stint on the series, reportedly due to his relationship to partner Brianne Delcourt.

The actor went on to date the professional for a year before the stunner dumped him amid cheating allegations.

David Seaman, 60, also found love with pro Frankie Poultney, 49, after retuning to the show for a second later making her his third wife. 

 Judges battling it out

One of the show’s most memorable moments was Jason and head coach Karen Barber’s on air argument. 

After Karen attempted to offer constructive criticism Johnson Beharry VC, acid-tongued Jason jumped in with a put-down. 

Attacking the former judge he said: ‘Karen if your opinion mattered, you’d still be on the panel’. While Karen clapped calling him ‘offensive’ and questioned what he brought to the show.

Once again finding himself in trouble with bosses Karen reportedly saved him from getting the sack.