Dancing on Ice star struck down with illness weeks before show launch

DANCING on Ice star Greg Rutherford has been struck down with a chest infection, with just weeks to go before the show's launch.

Retired athlete Greg, 37, took to his Instagram Story this evening where he let fans know he was unwell.

The Olympic gold medal winner shot a straight-faced expression for a selfie while sharing his hopes of a swift recovery.

He wrote, "Me this year with a chest infection. No party, no celebration. Just feeling rough, Fingers crossed it passes soon as I've got some ice skating to do!"

With the first live show in two weeks’ time, it's no wonder Greg's looking after himself and avoiding the New Year's festivities.

Back in September, The Sun exclusively revealed the long jumper had signed up for the ITV reality show.

It comes after the retired track and field athlete’s dreams of joining the Britain’s bobsleigh team for the 2022 Winter Olympics were dashed after he suffered a shoulder injury.

A show insider revealed: “Greg was gutted after his Olympic dreams were derailed, but it basically freed up his calendar so when the Dancing On Ice offer came along, he decided to chat with bosses.

“As an athlete, he loves having something to focus on and a project to train for, so this will give him something to channel his competitive spirit into.”

The dad of three famously joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2016, where he danced with pro dancer Claudia Fragapane.

The pair lasted for an impressive nine weeks in the BBC competition, but Greg is tipped to go even further on its Holly Willoughby-fronted rival. 

The source added: “Ice skating is arguably more athletic than ballroom dancing, so Greg should really come into his own on the show. He’ll put the hours into training and be laser-focussed on going all the way.”

If he wins the Dancing On Ice trophy, Greg will have to clear some space on his mantlepiece, which already boasts an MBE, six gold medals and his Celebrity Masterchef winner’s award.

Greg's since confirmed he's been paired with skater Vanessa James.