Dancing On Ice star breaks silence on show exit and says ‘it brings tears to my eyes’
DANCING On Ice star Tippy Packard has broken her silence after being forced to pull out of the ITV show.
The professional skater was due to take to the rink with Olympian Eddie The Eagle on Sunday night.
Yesterday, The Sun revealed Tippy was to be replaced by a Dancing On Ice legend after she suffered an unfortunate injury.
Writing on Instagram on Friday, Tippy confirmed the news, and told her fans: "As I was stitching all these beautiful memories and writing to you all, it still brings tears to my eyes to be missing out on the rest of Eddie’s journey on Dancing on Ice.
";Unfortunately, I won’t be participating this year due to a knee injury in late November.
"As Eddie was already having to pick up skating and learn how to partner a few weeks after the training began, it was decided it was best for Eddie to continue the competition without me."
The three-time Hong Kong National Champion and Worlds Competitor continued: "I cherished the weeks I spent with Eddie, training and getting to know him personally, and of course our latte breaks with oatmeal cookies.
"I’m confident he’ll impress everyone with his skills, and please show support for Vicky and Eddie; they’re fantastic individuals who will surely put on a remarkable show.
"To all participants this year, celebs, and pros, I wish you good health and enjoyment throughout the series.
"A big thank you to my family and friends for checking in on me during this really difficult time, it is truly appreciated. It has not been easy to sit idle through this recovery as I have been lucky enough to never have a serious injury since I started skating at 3.
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"I am so grateful for the ones who picked me up when I was so down, and kept me moving forward."
Tippy revealed she is recovering quickly, and is already back on the ice, as she thanked her physio for helping her.
She added: "I appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to new opportunities on the horizon."
On last year's show Tippy skated with comedian Darren Harriott.
The upcoming series will see former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney, singer Hannah Spearritt, West End star Amber Davies and Olympian Greg Rutherford compete against each other.
TV personality Miles Nazaire, comedian and writer Lou Sanders, actor Ricky Norwood, radio presenter Adele Roberts, actor Ryan Thomas and Emmerdale's Roxy Shahidi will also compete.
Sunday's show will also see the return of Holly Willoughby who will host alongside her new co-presenter Stephen Mulhern.
Dancing On Ice begins on Sunday at 6.30pm on STV and ITVX
