Denise Van Outen pulls out of Dancing On Ice after shoulder injury

Denise Van Outen has sadly been forced to pull out of her stint on Dancing On Ice 2021 after a fall seriously injured her shoulder. The 46-year-old, who was partnered with Matt Evers, had to change her routine shortly before last Sunday's performance after the injury, but managed to still take to the ice to perform.

However, Denise has now announced on Instagram that she has to leave the show, as she had a scan this morning to check on the progress, 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.'

She continued, '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 3 bone fractures as well as a partial dislocation. OUCH! No wonder I’ve been in agony.'

Denise went on to confirm that she would be unable to do lifts, tricks or solo skating, and confirmed her decision to leave the show, paying tribute to her partner Matt as she did so, 'themattevers has been the most incredible support and skate partner (a true friend) and I’m so grateful for his expertise in teaching me the basics. 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 leaderboard 😂.

'I’m actually proud of what I’ve achieved ( not much, lowest scores so far 😂) . 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 👍🏻😂❄️. 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 ⛸ #dancingonice2021.'

Matt also released a statement, which read, 'Denise has worked so incredibly hard these past few months and I'm devastated that she’s unable to show everyone what a beautiful skater she’s become. It’s sad that the competition must end now for both Denise and I but it’s most important that she takes the time to heal and recover.

'I loved our time on the ice together and I love the wonderful friendship that we will always have. I’m gutted to have Denise leave the show and equally gutted that last Sunday’s hug will be my last for a while.'

Denise and Matt have been replaced by Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler and professional skater Joe Johnson, with show bosses announcing the news on Instagram, 'Olympic gymnast @amytinkler and her pro-skater partner @joejohnsonice will be joining the Dancing on Ice line up from this weekend after Denise Van Outen and Matt Evers have had to withdraw from the competition due to Denise’s injury. #DancingOnIce.'

Scroll through to see which celebrities are on Dancing On Ice 2021:

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• Dancing On Ice
• Denise Van Outen