Dancing On Ice’s Greg Rutherford has been forced to quit the show mere hours before the live final.

The Olympian, 37, was set to battle it all out against Ryan Thomas, Adele Roberts and Miles Nazaire for the trophy this Sunday night, with bookies’ calling it the ‘closest final in history’ with the odds on who would win.

Yet Greg’s hopes of taking part have been shattered after he sustained a ‘significant’ injury on the morning of rehearsals.

His pro partner Vanessa James broke the news in an Instagram post on Sunday, sharing: ‘Unfortunately Greg has sustained a significant injury this morning at rehearsals and won’t be able to perform tonight.

‘We are on our way to the hospital for Greg to get examined further and receive the treatment he needs.’

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Dancing On Ice’s Greg Rutherford has been forced to quit the show hours before the live final, his pro partner Vanessa James revealed in an Instagram post on Sunday

Earlier this week, Greg told The Mirror his time on the competition might be over after sustaining a painful groin injury four weeks ago

An ITV spokesperson added in a statement to MailOnline: ‘Sadly Olympian Greg Rutherford MBE has had to withdraw from Dancing On Ice after sustaining an injury whilst in rehearsals for the final episode of the current series.

‘Greg and Vanessa have been such a popular couple this series and have performed some truly memorable routines.

‘We will be helping to support Greg and wish him well with his recovery. We also want to thank him for being such a treasured member of the Dancing on Ice family.’

Earlier this week, Greg told The Mirror his time on the competition might be over after sustaining a painful groin injury four weeks ago.

‘I was gutted at first, that’s classic me, an injury right at the wrong time. But due to Sharon, the physio who works for the show, has done a tireless job to keep me going and doing well,’ said the Olympian.

‘We are currently in a situation where, yes, it is still healing and there’s a little bit of soreness and tightness. But I am able to do what we need to do. Thankfully I am here and I’m thrilled to be here as well.’

The athlete admitted the last hurdle will be attempting to do the Bolero – although he is ‘happy’ to have made it to the final regardless.

Greg also highlighted being voted best skater in the solo skate, something he called a ‘really proud moment’.

‘All in all, thrilled to bits, I’m ignoring the fact there’s still a little bit of an injury there but that’s fine. I’m hoping the showcase, everyone loves it, and we get to do the Bolero. Then, who knows at that point, who knows!,’ he added.

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The final is now a three horse race between Ryan Thomas, Adele Roberts and Miles Nazaire

Earlier this week, Greg revealed his time on the competition might be over after sustaining a painful groin injury four weeks ago (pictured with Vanessa on the show)

Greg previously revealed rehearsals was doing wonders for his health and he was in great shape after losing 7kg since joining the ITV show.

The long jump star added his journey on Dancing On Ice helped him find a great balance while eating better and training.

The athlete – who is now retired – said the show gave him a purpose for training and ‘feeling better in myself’, which he described as a ‘kick up the bum to stay fit and healthy’.

During last week’s show the first dance saw all four semi finalists take to the ice for a group skate without their professionals in a rock themed routine, before being scored individually by the panel.

The showstopping skate to Highway to Hell featured incredible pyrotechnics and had the celebs showcasing their skills with intricate lifts.

The judges agreed Greg was the winner with five points, followed by Miles with four, Ryan with three points, Adele with two and in last place came Amber Davies with one point.

Greg oozed confidence during the routine that was lit by pyrotechnics and also saw him skate on top a grand piano.

Motsi gave the couple 9.5 while Ashley, Jayne and Christopher all opted to score nine points, resulting in 36.5 out of a possible 40.

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During last week’s show the first dance saw all four semi finalists take to the ice for a group skate before being scored individually by the panel, with Greg scoring the most

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Greg is no stranger to gruelling training regimes as a former Olympian long jump star (pictured at the 2012 London games with Mo Farah)

At the end of the show, Amber lost to Adele in the dreaded skate-off, leaving the show and cementing the place of the final four.

Greg’s Dancing On Ice stint comes seven years after the retired track and field athlete appeared on Strictly.

It also follows a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the 2022 Winter Olympics following his dreams of joining Britain’s bobsleigh team.

Greg holds an MBE, a gold medal and also won Celebrity Masterchef.