Hamish Gaman is "heartbroken" after leaving this year's 'Dancing on Ice', and he is "so proud of the incredible skater" his partner Faye Brookes has become.
Hamish Gaman
The 37-year-old pro ice skater was forced to depart the competition earlier this week due to a finger injury, which he sustained when he was putting on a sock, and while he is disappointed about exiting the ITV show, Hamish is pleased he doesn't need surgery on his digit.
He wrote on Instagram: "Hi everyone. I’m heartbroken that I’ll no longer be skating with @faye_brookes on @dancingonice. I’m so grateful that I don’t need any surgery on my finger, but if I stay in the show I could have an accident and make my injury much worse (it is series 13).
"Coaching Faye for 4+ months has been a privilege and I’m so proud of the incredible skater that she’s become. I remember her being scared of skating backwards and wondering if she’d ever be able to do a 3-turn or backward crossover. Faye, you’ve come so far and achieved so much (sic)"
Hamish admitted he and his fiancée Amelia Humfress are looking forward to going for a drink with Faye and her boyfriend Joe Davies when the pubs are open again.
He added: "I can’t wait for the pubs to finally reopen so that Faye, @iamjustjoe, @ameliaskating, and I can all go for a pint. Faye, your friendship and support means the world to me. Thank you for everything. #dancingonice (sic)"
ITV confirmed earlier this week that Hamish had been forced to pull out of the competition.
A spokesperson said: "Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition.
"We thank him for all his hard work and wish him the very best as he takes some time out to allow his injury to fully heal."
'Dancing on Ice' pro skater Matt Evers will now step in to partner former 'Coronation Street' star Faye.
The programme will not air this Sunday (21.02.21) after show bosses opted to pause the series, following a number of injuries to stars.
An ITV Spokesperson said in a statement: "ITV have taken the decision to pause Dancing on Ice this week and there will be no live show on Sunday 21st February.
"Each week our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.
"The welfare of all of those involved is important to us and we felt it prudent to take a week’s break at this juncture.
"Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is of paramount importance to us and we look forward to resuming the competition next week, with the show back live on Sunday 28th February."