A Dancing On Ice star has battled with heartache and shed tears backstage just hours before their show debut on Sunday.
Professional skater Colin Grafton, 32, got emotional before his glitzy performance with his celeb partner Claire Sweeney, 52, after getting an unexpected phone call.
The dancer’s father, Roy, suffered an unexpected stroke on Wednesday, January 10, according to The Sun.
In complete shock, his family, who live in Boston, were unsure if Roy would be able to walk or talk again after he underwent two surgeries on the brain to repair a collapsed vessel.
A source told the publication: ‘At first, Colin wanted to get on a flight right away and be there for his family.
A Dancing On Ice star has battled with heartache and shed tears backstage just hours before their show debut on Sunday
Professional skater Colin Grafton, got emotional before his glitzy performance with his celebrity partner Claire Sweeney after getting an unexpected phone call
‘But he knew his dad would want him to do the show, and Claire has been incredibly supportive to him – she has been his rock.’
A TV insider also told The Sun: ‘On the night of the first show of Dancing on Ice, Colin’s mum called him, and to his surprise, his dad was able to construct a few words and communicate to Claire and Colin to have a good show, saying ‘go get it’.
The source also revealed that the call brought ‘tears to all’ just ‘moments before the first live show’.
Colin and soap sensation Claire are due to perform their first routine on Sunday.
His father is believed to be defying doctor’s beliefs and is doing better every day.
It is reported that the brave father is learning to regain his speech and mobility.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the Cirque Du Soleil premiere of Algeria – In A New Light at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday evening, Colin said: ‘ITV, Claire, and the other Professional skaters have been incredible in their support, and I am so thankful to be surrounded by wonderful people.’
It comes after it was revealed that Claire’s place on the show this week is reportedly hanging in the balance after she suffered a nasty injury during rehearsals.
The dancer’s father, Roy, suffered an unexpected stroke on Wednesday, January 10, according to The Sun
In complete shock, Colin’s family, who live in Boston, were unsure if Roy would be able to walk or talk again after he underwent two surgeries on the brain to repair a collapsed vessel
The actress was due to make her debut on the show this weekend but it is unclear whether she will perform after hurting her knee.
An insider told The Sun: ‘Claire has been training really hard, but has managed to injure herself.
‘She’s really gutted and is following the advice to help her back on her feet.
‘Everyone’s really hoping she will be OK for Saturday because she’s put so much effort into.’
It comes after it was revealed that Claire’s place on the show this week is reportedly hanging in the balance after she suffered a nasty injury during rehearsals
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