Denise van Outen was rushed to hospital after suffering a painful shoulder injury ahead of her 'Dancing on Ice' debut on Sunday night (17.01.21).
Denise van Outen
The 46-year-old actress took a tumble on the ice while rehearsing with professional skater, Matt Evers, at the ITV show's rink at Bovingdon Airfield, Hertfordshire, earlier this week.
An X-ray showed Denise dislocated her left shoulder and caused damage to her tendons.
She told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “I’ve taken a few tumbles since we started training but with this one I knew immediately it wasn’t good.
“I was rehearsing with Matt, hit my toe pick and went flying.
“Straightaway I knew I’d done something. I just thought, ‘Please don’t let it be a break.’
“The on-site medics and physio checked me over immediately and my shoulder was quickly iced.”
Doctors have advised Denise to rest, however, she is still hoping to be well enough for the launch tomorrow night, though she is struggling to move her arm.
Denise added: “Ultimately I had to have a trip to hospital where I was told I had a partial dislocation and tendon damage.
“It’s really affected my ability to move my left arm. It’s touch and go as to whether I can skate tonight.
"I’m working on recovering and hoping and praying I can do my routine.
“We are taking it hour by hour, resting as much as I can and hoping for the best.
“Matt has been brilliant and he’s taking good care of me. We’re working so hard to put on an amazing show tonight.”
The 'Gogglebox' star has hailed the “overstretched” NHS staff who took wonderful care of her at hospital amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
She added: “I must say that I cannot thank the staff enough for the care they gave me.
"At a time when the NHS is so overstretched, I must say an enormous ‘Thank you’ to them for looking after me.
“They were incredible. I am so grateful to them."
If Denise and Matt do make it out onto the ice, the tabloid reports that the pair have been given permission to adjust their routine to make it easier for her shoulder.
'Dancing on Ice' airs on ITV from 6pm on Sunday (17.01.21).
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