Dancing on Ice 2025 celebrity forced to quit just weeks before launch-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

The Dancing on Ice star is ‘gutted’ (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Dame Sarah Storey has been forced to pull out of Dancing on Ice just weeks before the first episode.

The Paralympian cyclist and swimmer has released a statement to share her heartbreak at having to leave the ITV show before its 2025 launch.

‘Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way – just as my first routine with @slongchambon was really coming together! ⛸️,’ she began.

Alongside the message she shared a photo of her foot in a cast resting in front of a Christmas tree. In another image Dame Sarah was sitting down and holding crutches indicating the extent of her injuries. Also in the social media post were pictures of happier times on the ice with Sylvain Longchambon.

Dame Sarah, 47, continued: ‘An awkward stumble and fall with my left foot stuck on the ice sadly led to me fracturing my left ankle.’

She thanked Sylvain, coach Stephen Pickavance, and head of medical Sharon Morrison for quickly coming to her aid, and getting her to the best surgeon. ‘I’m already fixed and home with rehab underway!’ the caption added.

‘Whilst I can’t wear my left skating boot in time to take to the ice in January, I’m working with the team at ITV to come up with a plan for what’s next and I’ll always be the biggest cheerleader of the awesome group that is the Class of 2025 ⭐️.

Dame Sarah is now using crutches (Picture: Sarah Storey/Instagram)

Dame Sarah now needs to focus on getting the full strength back (Picture: Dancing on Ice/Instagram)

‘In the meantime I’ll be fully focused on all the strength and mobility work I need to do to get back to full power and of course back to my bike ahead of next season! My career has seen so many ups and downs with injury and illness, plus returning after two babies, which means I’m well equipped for another comeback 💪🏻.’ Dame Sarah has 10-year-old Louisa and six-year-old Charlie with Olympic husband Barney Storey.

‘Thankfully the surgeon said I have strong bones so otherwise it could have been a lot worse,’ she typed.

She then described how grateful she was for her short experience, and for meeting ‘awesome people’.

She was announced as part of the cast earlier this year (Picture: Instagram)

Dame Sarah was partnered with Sylvain (Picture: Dancing on Ice/Instagram)

‘So for now my plans might be interrupted….. but you better believe there’s more news to come!’ she concluded.

Her departure leaves Sylvain currently without a partner for the 2025 season. It’s yet to be announced who will be replacing Dame Sarah, who has 19 gold medals, making her the most successful British Paralympian of all time.

Dancing On Ice wrote on their official Instagram page: ‘Everyone at Dancing on Ice and ITV are so sorry that Dame Sarah Storey is no longer able to compete in Dancing on Ice 2025 and we wish her a speedy recovery.’

Sarah shared pictures of the rehersals (Picture: Sarah Storey/Instagram)

Dame Sarah was the final celebrity to be added to the series 17 lineup, with her name being confirmed during an episode of Lorraine.

‘I’m excited to learn a new skill and have the opportunity to put myself out there and learn a new sport,’ she said at the time.

‘I’ve skated at birthday parties, and as a child. I’ve proved I can go from one side of a rink to another without falling over, but I’m not an expert by any stretch.

‘I’ve never been twirled, I can’t go backwards – yet!’

The celebrities continuing in the contest include Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey, Towie star Dan Edgar, and Barbie actor Chris Taylor.

Joining them are TV favourite Michaela Strachan, footballer Anton Ferdinand, stand-up comedian Josh Jones, EastEnders legend Charlie Brooks, Coronation Street star Sam Aston, Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, The Traitors’ Mollie Pearce, and reality TV queen Ferne McCann.

Dancing on Ice returns to ITV and ITVX in 2025.

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