Dancing On Ice has seen yet another dramatic twist in its latest season,
as EastEnders star Charlie Brooks, 43, was left without a partner following an unexpected back injury to her professional skating partner, Eric Radford.
The injury, which occurred during rehearsals, has forced Radford to step away from the competition temporarily,
and the situation has shaken up the dynamics of the show just days before the duo was set to perform their new routine.
The news was confirmed through a statement on Dancing On Ice’s official social media account, revealing that Eric sustained a back injury while preparing for the live show.
The post further explained that, following medical advice, Eric would be unable to skate with Charlie this week.
Fortunately, fellow pro skater Brendyn Hatfield has stepped in to partner with Charlie, allowing her to continue in the competition. The official statement concluded with a well-wishing for Eric’s recovery, stating: “We wish Eric a quick recovery and hope to see him back on the ice next week.”
Eric’s injury, which led to him being rushed for an MRI scan, was a huge blow for both him and Charlie. Speaking to *The Sun*, Charlie opened up about the unfortunate situation, describing Eric’s injury as “gutting.” She explained that in addition to the back injury, Eric was also experiencing issues with his quad muscle, which had caused him difficulty during rehearsals. Despite the setback, Charlie remained positive, saying, “I will be lost without him, but I’m trying to flip it and think that it will be exciting to skate with someone else.”
As Charlie continues her training with Brendyn Hatfield, the switch has been a challenge, as they work against the clock to master the routine. Fortunately, Charlie seems to be taking the situation in stride and remains optimistic about her new partnership, calling Brendyn “wicked” and looking forward to getting to know him better. Fans of the show can expect to see Charlie and Brendyn perform together in the upcoming live show on Sunday.
Eric is not the only professional dancer to be sidelined this season due to injury. Vanessa Bauer, who was partnered with Chris Taylor, also had to withdraw from the competition after sustaining a serious leg injury. Vanessa revealed in an Instagram video that she had torn ligaments and was diagnosed with a grade-three sprain and a grade-two sprain in her leg after an accident backstage during a recent rehearsal. The injury required her to step away from the competition and focus on her recovery.
Vanessa expressed her disappointment in her video, sharing how difficult it was to leave the show, especially since she had been training Chris since October. She also reflected on the progress Chris had made over the months, calling it a rewarding experience. Although Vanessa had been skating through pain for much of the week, she acknowledged that her injury was too severe to continue and would require rehabilitation. “I shouldn’t be skating on an injury like that,” she explained, adding that she would now focus on her health and recovery. Fans of Vanessa and Chris were disappointed by her departure, but her health had to come first.
In Vanessa’s absence, Chris was quickly paired with Robin Johnstone for his latest performance on February 2. Their routine, performed to the Pokémon Theme, was a memorable one, but unfortunately, the duo lost their footing on the ice during the performance. Despite this, Chris and Robin were able to recover and finish their routine, though the slip-up overshadowed the performance. Fans rallied behind the pair, commending their ability to continue and finish strong after the mishap.
With the departure of both Eric and Vanessa due to injury, the competition on *Dancing On Ice* has become even more unpredictable. The show’s professionals continue to face the physical demands of the sport, and the risks involved are evident. As the season progresses, both competitors and fans are hoping for a swift recovery for the injured skaters and for the remaining contestants to stay injury-free as they battle for the title. The resilience shown by those affected by injuries demonstrates the dedication and passion that defines the show, and fans can’t wait to see what happens next on the ice.
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