Dancing On Ice pro Hamish Gaman has spoken out for the first time since he was forced to quit the show.
The 37-year-old was partnered with Coronation Street's Faye Brookes and the couple had been favourites to win the current series, but earlier this week he was replaced by Matt Evers following a hand injury.
Gaman had initially been given the all-clear to continue by doctors but it came with the caveat that he risked long-term damage, as well as the prospect of having to perform less challenging routines for the remainder of the series.
"Hi everyone I'm heartbroken that I'll no longer be skating with @faye_brookes on @dancingonice," he wrote on Instagram today. "I'm so grateful that I don't need any surgery on my finger, but if I stay in the show I could have an accident and make my injury much worse (it is series 13).
"Coaching Faye for 4+ months has been a privilege and I'm so proud of the incredible skater that she's become. I remember her being scared of skating backwards and wondering if she'd ever be able to do a 3-turn or backward crossover. Faye, you've come so far and achieved so much."
He added: "I can't wait for the pubs to finally reopen so that Faye, @iamjustjoe, @ameliaskating, and I can all go for a pint. Faye, your friendship and support means the world to me. Thank you for everything #dancingonice."
After a one-week break, Dancing On Ice will return to ITV on Sunday, February 28.
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