Dancing On Ice has confirmed that Graham Bell and his professional skating partner Yebin Mok will not take part in this weekend's show after a "freak accident".
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ITV told press in a statement: "This week Olympic Skier Graham Bell and his partner Yebin had a freak accident which resulted in her having a laceration in her leg. Yebin received immediate medical attention and is now resting and healing."
The statement continues: "This has meant Rufus and Robin are performing on Sunday's show, and Graham will be skating alone in a group number this Sunday and will be back next week.
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"Karina Mantra will be stepping in for Yebin whilst she recuperates." Speaking about the recent announcement, Graham said in a statement: "I fell when we were training on Monday and Yebin my pro-dance partner fell onto the back of my skate.
"She was cut quite badly on the shin and needed an operation to clean and stitch up the wound. She spent Monday night in Watford hospital and was released yesterday, luckily there was no nerve or tendon damage."
The announcement comes shortly after a report suggested that the show could be thrown into jeopardy after five members of crew were reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
ITV released a statement in response, stating: "We have had a robust set of measures in place ever since work on the series commenced to ensure the wellbeing of everyone connected with the production."
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© Photo: ITVGraham and Yebin suffered a freak accident
The ITV programme is due to start on January 17 – two weeks later than normal. The skating competition will see a number of celebrities take to the rink while regular hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield reprise their roles as hosts.
As well as Graham, other famous faces taking to the rink for the ITV programme's 13th series are: Myleene Klass, Sonny Jay, Rufus Hound, Lady Leshurr, Joe-Warren Plant, Jason Donovan, Fay Brookes, and Billie Shepherd.
The contestants will be hoping to impress viewers with their routines as well as judges John Barrowman, Ashley Banjo, and Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who are also set to return to the show.
Dancing On Ice, starts on Sunday 17th January at 6pm on ITV.
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