Devastated Denise Van Outen was forced to quit Dancing On Ice – but wanted to carry on for daughter Betsy despite injury
DENISE Van Outen is devastated after being forced to quit Dancing On Ice.
West End star Denise wanted to carry on and do the show 'for Betsy' her ten-year-old daughter despite her severe injuries - but show bosses told her to pull out because it was not safe.
Denise's professional skating partner Matt Evers told The Sun: "Both Denise and I are so gutted.
"It's just so sad. She was doing the show for her daughter Betsy so that they could skate together one day.
"Denise spoke to me straight after she had been to the doctors this morning and told me what they said.
"Her motto is 'the show must go on', she was determined to get back on the ice, but the DOI team made the decision she could not continue for her own health.
"If she could have carried on she would have.
"But she couldn't do the lifts, because I need to hold her left hand for that to happen. We would have been limited.
"Everyone's devastated. The cast have left whatsapps for us all, they will really miss her."
The 46-year-old was seen close to tears as she took a phone call outside of a London clinic this morning.
A recent MRI scan has now shown that her injury is more severe than initially thought, and Denise had been powering through with multiple bone fractures as well as a shoulder dislocation.
Opening up about her ordeal in a lengthy Instagram post, Denise shared a photo of herself alongside pro partner Matt Evers, writing: "GUTTED! If you’ve been watching @dancingonice you will be aware that just over a week ago I had a nasty fall and injured my shoulder.
"I managed to skate my first dance with @themattevers on the live show through a gritted smile because the pain was unbearable. I’ve tried as hard as I can to carry on because I love the show and the amazing team in front and behind the cameras.
"Initially we thought with rest I could make a return to the ice, but a recent MRI scan has shown that I have three bone fractures as well as a partial dislocation. OUCH! No wonder I’ve been in agony.
"I won’t be able to do any lifts, tricks or solo skating on the show due to my injury. I’m going to bail out gracefully with my DOI bling sling. @themattevers has been the most incredible support and skate partner (a true friend) and I’m so grateful for his expertise in teaching me (ice virgin) the basics."
The blonde beauty went on to reinforce her disappointment at leaving the competition, adding: "I just wish I was well enough to learn all the fabulous tricks my injury won’t allow me to do. Chair dancing on Ice with a massive pie won’t get us points on the leader board. I’m actually proud of what I’ve achieved (not much, lowest scores so far) .
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"If you don’t mind I’m going to give myself a couple of points for bravery for doing cartwheels on Ice at 46 with broken bones."
She concluded: "I wish all the celebs, pros and judges the best of luck for the rest of the series. I’m rooting for you all. Bunch of legends".