Greg Rutherford has shared a health update after withdrawing from the Dancing On Ice finale with a last minute injury.
The Olympian, 37, was set to battle it all out against Ryan Thomas, Adele Roberts and Miles Nazaire for the trophy, with bookies’ calling it the ‘closest final in history’ with the odds on who would win.
Yet Greg’s hopes of taking part were shattered after he sustained a ‘significant’ injury on the morning of rehearsals.
Taking to Instagram to thank fans for their ‘kind messages, Greg took a selfie from his bed and wrote: ‘Recovery sort of starts now…
‘After a pretty rough first night, I’m looking forward to getting everything sorted and sewn up so I can get back to normal. Thank you all so much for your kind messages’
+8
View gallery
Greg Rutherford has shared a health update after withdrawing from the Dancing On Ice finale with a last minute injury
+8
View gallery
Ryan Thomas skated to victory and was crowned Dancing On Ice’s 2024 winner alongside pro partner Amani Fancy during Sunday’s action packed live final.
The former Coronation Street star, 39, beat Made In Chelsea ‘s Miles Nazaire and partner Vanessa Bauer, after DJ Adele Roberts finished in third place and Olympian Greg Rutherford was forced to quit hours before the show due to injury.
Following his win an emotional Ryan choked back tears as he raised the trophy and and admitted he was speechless before paying tribute to his partner saying: ‘I’m just so happy for Amani!’.
Meanwhile the pro in floods of tears gushed, telling the actor: ‘I’m so proud of you, thank you for making this happen’.
Ryan then turned to the camera and sent his best wishes to missing fellow finalist: ‘ Greg, If you’re watching at home this trophy’s for you’.
It comes after Greg checked in with fans from hospital as he took to his Instagram story to wish his fellow contestants well ahead of the live show.
He said: ‘I know this looks very dramatic and everything else but sadly I picked up a big injury in rehearsals.
‘I am on my way to hospital and I won’t be performing on Dancing On Ice tonight and I am devastated but these things happen.
‘Stay tuned and I’ll keep you updated but what a nightmare way for this to finish’.
+8
View gallery
Taking to Instagram to thank fans for their ‘kind messages, Greg took a selfie from his bed and wrote: ‘Recovery sort of starts now…’
+8
View gallery
Ryan Thomas was crowned Dancing On Ice’s 2024 winner alongside his pro partner Amani Fancy during Sunday’s action packed live final
+8
View gallery
The actor turned to the camera and sent his best wishes to missing fellow finalist: ‘ Greg, If you’re watching at home this trophy’s for you’
In a second video later from his hospital bed, he said: Good evening everybody and firstly a massive thank you for all the messages but my message for the three incredible finalists that will be skating shortly is have an incredible night.
‘I am devastated I can’t be there with you tonight. It is going to be incredible and amazing have a great show, love you all and hopefully I will see you all soon. Just go and smash it, have the best time!’
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.
+8
View gallery
Greg was forced to quit the show hours before the live final, his pro partner Vanessa James revealed in an Instagram post on Sunday
+8
View gallery
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
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.
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’.
