Dancing On Ice’s Brendan Cole slices open partner Vanessa Bauer’s back with his skating blade

Dancing On Ice star Brendan Cole sliced open skate partner Vanessa Bauer’s back during a horrifying training session accident on Wednesday.

Vanessa, 25, showed off a bloody gash on her back in an Instagram video as she said: ‘Got Brendan’s blade in my back.  Dancing On Ice really is a bit dangerous.’

The video then zoomed in on the wound as Brendan, 45, said:’Bad Brendan.’

He later shared the video on Instagram captioning it: ‘Bad Bad Bad Sorry’ with a crying-face emoji. 

Earlier this month the pair suffered a nasty fall when they were practicing a lift.

Vanessa was seen slipping out of Brendan’s grasp before they both slipped onto the ice. 

 The 2021 series of Dancing On Ice was cut short  by a week after five celebrities were forced to quit due to injury and coronavirus,. 

Injury: Vanessa, 25, showed off a bloody gash on her back in an Instagram video as she said: ‘Got Brendan’s blade in my back. Dancing On Ice really is a bit dangerous’

A spokesperson for the show said in a statement in March: ‘ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week. The competition’s final will now take place on Sunday 14th March.

‘Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.   

‘Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.’

The show was cancelled for a week after several celebrity contestants quit due to their skating injuries and positive coronavirus tests.   

A source speaking to The Sun about the shock decision claimed: ‘Everybody is absolutely gutted that it’s come to this.

‘But ultimately, due to injuries and shooting the show during a pandemic, they’ve been left with no choice.

Before: The pair were in good spirits before the accident

‘They can’t compromise on the quality of the programme, so in order to keep it to the high standards that everyone expects, they’ve decided to trim the series by a show.’ 

The source added that by cutting the show short, it would ensure that those who are left would get the semi-final and grand finale they ‘deserve’. 

Jason Donovan departed the show following a back injury and became the fifth star to bow out of the ‘cursed’ competition after Denise Van Outen and Billie Faiers had to leave due to injuries and Rufus Hound and Joe-Warren Plant were axed following positive Covid test results.    

Emmerdale’s Joe-Warren and his pro partner Vanessa were forced to withdraw after they both tested positive for COVID-19 while Denise exited the show after injuring her shoulder in three places and dislocating it.

Billie was then forced to quit the competition after hitting her head and suffering from a concussion, while Rufus announced his shock exit after testing positive for coronavirus.     

Accident: Earlier this month the pair suffered a nasty fall when they were practicing a lift

As well as the celebs, pro skater Yebin Mok, who was partnered with Graham Bell, had to bow out of the show following a freak accident which saw her suffer ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’.  

And skater Hamish, who had been competing with Faye,  also withdrew from the series following an injury while putting on a sock.    

Last month the ex-Strictly Come Dancing professional admitted that he’s worried about taking part, after hitting the rink for the first time and being ‘terrible’ at skating.

He told Loose Women: ‘I’ve had one go. I’m a fairly confident person and I like to think I’m going to be good at what I put my hand to or my feet to! I was thinking okay I’m going to be fine, I’m going to be out there and I was terrible.

Horror: The 2021 series of Dancing On Ice was cut short by a week after five celebrities were forced to quit due to injury and coronavirus 

‘I was a bit wobbly. You can expect to be a bit wobbly on ice but I was hoping I was going to be better than I was.

‘I’ve got time to learn. I’m just going to embrace the whole experience and I’m very excited to get started.’

Regardless of this, he added: ‘I’m so, so excited. It’s been a while coming now. I’ve known I’d be doing the show for quite some time and I want to get started, I’m so excited to be on the show.

‘To be off the stage for such a long time now. I think March last year I finished my theatre production and all the lockdowns happened. To be back on a big stage – and this is a very big, very cold stage – I cannot tell you how excited I am.

‘I was terrible!’ Last month the ex-Strictly Come Dancing professional admitted that he’s worried about taking part, after hitting the rink for the first time and being ‘terrible’ at skating

Concerns: The ex-Strictly Come Dancing professional admitted on Wednesday that he’s worried about taking part, after hitting the rink for the first time and being ‘terrible’ at skating

He told Loose Women: ‘I’ve had one go. I’m a fairly confident person and I like to think I’m going to be good at what I put my hand to or my feet to! I was thinking okay I’m going to be fine, I’m going to be out there and I was terrible’

Dancing On Ice 2021: The ‘Cursed’ Series

January 13

Graham Bell’s partner Yebin Mok sustains ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’ during rehearsals. 

While it was initially thought she would return to the competition, the injuries were worse than anticipated and she was replaced by Karina Manta. They were voted out the following weekend.

Ouch! Graham Bell’s partner Yebin Mok suffers a freak accident after suffering ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’

Out! While it was initially thought she would return to the competition, the injuries were worse than anticipated and she was replaced

January 26

Denise Van Outen announces she’s quit Dancing On Ice after learning she’d fractured her shoulder in an accident during training. 

The presenter, 46, shared an Instagram statement telling fans she’d withdrawn the show after being told by doctors the injury would leave her severely limited in training.

Denise was replaced by retired Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler, 21, who made her debut on the ice the following weekend alongside pro Joe Johnson. Amy and Joe were voted off on February 14.

Injury! Denise Van Outen announced she’d quit after fracturing her shoulder in training

Gone! The presenter told fans she’d withdrawn the show after being told by doctors the injury would leave her severely limited in training [pictured with pro partner Matt Evers]

January 28 

Billie Shepherd reveals her grandmother Wendy has tragically passed away. She died age 77 from pneumonia.

In the wake of the news it was revealed that the former TOWIE star wouldn’t appear in the next episode of the ITV skating show following the death.

January 31

Rufus Hound misses the live show due to coming into contact with someone with COVID-19.

Positive! Rufus Hound quit the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19

February 3 

Rufus Hound quits the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19. 

The comedian, 41, took to Twitter to announce the news. He posted an accompanying video message explaining why he regretfully had to withdraw from the ITV skating competition.

Show bosses confirmed that Rufus and his professional partner Robin Johnstone would be both be stepping down and replaced by Matt Richardson, 29, and his pro-skater partner Vicky Ogden.

They were voted out after just one performance. 

Tragedy! Billie Shepherd’s grandmother died, after which she suffered a concussion and had to pull out [pictured with pro Mark Hanretty]

February 6  

Billie Shepherd is forced to quit the show after suffering a concussion following a fall in training. 

The Mummy Diaries star, 31, reportedly went to hospital for an MRI scan after being left unconscious following the accident.

The next day, Billie shared a photo of herself with professional partner Mark Hanretty from their ‘first and last’ dance as she confirmed her exit.

An ITV representative also confirmed to MailOnline that Billie would not be replaced for the remainder of the competition. 

Crestfallen! The Emmerdale actor, 18, said he was ‘disappointed’ to not be able to continue with the show, while his skating partner Vanessa Bauer, 24, said she was ‘heartbroken’

February 12

Joe-Warren Plant becomes the fourth celebrity forced to bow out after he tested positive for coronavirus.

The Emmerdale actor, 18, said he was ‘disappointed’ to not be able to continue with the show, while his skating partner Vanessa Bauer, 24, said she was ‘heartbroken’.

The professional skater revealed the pair got the ‘shock’ phone call during rehearsals on Thursday evening and said they ‘both feel fine’.

February 14

Jason Donovan, 52, pulls out of the Valentine’s Day live show with the star being advised to rest after suffering from back pain.

The former Neighbours actor said in a statement: ‘I’ve had back pain the past couple of days and I’m under doctor’s orders to take it easy and sit this week out. 

‘I’m resting up, I’ll be watching from home and cheering everyone on and I look forward to returning next week.’

He sent a video message into the show wishing his fellow contestants luck for the episode. 

Painful! Jason Donovan, 52, pulled out of the Valentine’s Day live show with the star being advised to rest after suffering from back pain

Another one bites the dust! Hamish Gamin was forced to bow out after injuring his hand ‘whilst putting on a sock’

February 15

ITV announce that Dancing On Ice will not air on February 21, but will be back, live on February 28. 

The purpose of the break was to allow the stars a week off to give both cast and crew a chance to ‘recharge and rest up’.

In a statement from an ITV spokesperson, it was revealed that show bosses felt it ‘prudent to take a week’s break at this juncture’ to protect ‘the welfare of all of those involved.’

February 16

Pro skater Hamish Gaman quits what is increasingly being referred to as the ‘cursed’ show. 

Hamish, 37, is forced to bow out after injuring his hand ‘whilst putting on a sock’.

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition.

‘We thank him for all his hard work and wish him the very best as he takes some time out to allow his injury to fully heal.’

Faye remains in the competition but is instead partnered with Matt Evers, who was previously partnered with Denise Van Outen.   

Bye! An ITV spokesperson told MailOnlin – ‘Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition’

February 22

Jason Donovan quits the show after failing to recover from a back injury.

The Neighbours star, 52, had pulled out of the Valentine’s Day live episode to recover but on the advice of medics is not returning to the competition. 

He announced the news on Facebook, saying he’s ‘completely gutted’ to leave as he thanked his pro partner Alexandra Schauman for all her support. 

Jason said: ‘I am devastated to announce that due to this ongoing back issue which occurred on DOI about 10 days ago and at the advice of my medical team in the show that unfortunately I can’t continue the competition and therefore have to withdraw.    

‘It’s a nightmare and I’m completely gutted, we put so much work into getting to this point, but I have to respect my health and body moving forward and that’s my biggest priority.’

February 26

ITV confirmed that the show’s finale will now be taking place on Sunday March 14, instead of the original date of March 21

A spokesperson for the show said in a statement: ‘ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week. 

‘The competition’s final will now take place on Sunday 14th March. Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.

‘Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.’

Another exit: Jason Donovan quits the show after failing to recover from a back injury, announcing the news on Facebook (pictured with Alexandra Schauman in February)

‘It means a lot to us in the entertainment industry to have these opportunities and I’m going to take it with both skates!’

MailOnline revealed he had signed up earlier this week.

It comes two years after fellow ex-pro James Jordan won the series.

Brendan, 45, who was axed from BBC’s Strictly in 2018, is the latest celebrity to join the lineup, which includes rugby ace Ben Foden, 36, and Love Island’s Liberty Poole, 22.

Brendan, who won Strictly’s debut series in 2004 with newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, is hoping to follow in James’ footsteps by dominating the Dancing On Ice competition.

He added: ‘I was a bit wobbly. You can expect to be a bit wobbly on ice but I was hoping I was going to be better than I was. I’ve got time to learn. I’m just going to embrace the whole experience and I’m very excited to get started!’

A source told MailOnline: ‘Brendan is extremely competitive. He wants to go all the way and win Dancing On Ice.

‘Dancing is his profession so, he already has a lifetime of experience, but he’s a novice when it comes to performing on an ice rink.’

Brendan’s signing comes after Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor, 58, was announced for the show, as well as ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne’s son Regan, 25.  

They join Happy Mondays’ star Bez, 57, S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens, 43, and Paralympic medalist Stef Reid, 36, on the show, which launches in January 2022.  

During his 14-years as a professional dancer on Strictly, Brendan was paired with the likes of Kelly Brook, 41, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 42, Kirsty Gallacher, 45, and Charlotte Hawkins, 46. 

He was axed from the show in 2018 after ‘breaching protocol by waltzing with Camilla Parker Bowles at Buckingham Palace’ – a claim he has since denied.

It was alleged BBC bosses were left ‘raging’ after Brendan ignored a briefing and asked the Duchess to dance, while the Kiwi simply says his contract was not renewed.

In January 2018, he said: ‘It’s actually quite hard to talk about, the BBC haven’t renewed my contract, we get contracted year upon year, they have made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show.

‘So, I’m a little bit in shock at the moment, I’m quite emotional.’ 

Brendan was also accused of having a ‘huge ego and difficult behaviour’ during his time on Strictly.

He would frequently snap back at the judges and question their feedback, which once sparked a heated row between him and head judge Shirley Ballas, 61.

This week Dancing On Ice judge John Barrowman, 54, was sacked and replaced by choreographer Arlene Phillips, 78.  

John was given the boot after being accused of repeatedly exposing himself on the sets of other TV shows. 

Dancing On Ice 2022: Who are the celebrities?

KYE WHYTE

Age: 22

Profession: Olympics BMX rider

Kye says: ‘I’d love to see if I can make the final because I’m very competitive.’

RACHEL STEVENS

Age: 43

Profession: Singer

Rachel says: ‘It now feels really real, this is really happening. I’m so excited, obviously really nervous.’

LIBERTY POOLE

 

Age: 22

Profession: Love Island star  

Liberty says: ‘I ice skate as a hobby sometimes so I can get around the rink but I can’t do any tricks’ 

STEF REID  

Age: 36

Profession: Paralympian

Stef says: ‘I’m going to be a contestant on Dancing on Ice and it’s a little bit scary but I cannot wait!’

REGAN GASCOIGNE 

 

Age: 26

Profession: Singer 

Regan says: ‘I love dancing but it’s the skill of this. I’ve always wanted to do it. Always! Ever since I was a kid!’

 KIMBERLY WYATT 

 Age: 39                                                                     

Profession: Pussycat Dolls singer

Kimberly says: ‘I’m just excited to see what I can do on there. I’m up for a challenge!’

BRENDAN COLE

 

Age: 45

Profession: Dancer

Brendan says: ‘I’ve known I’d be doing the show for quite some time and I want to get started, I’m so excited to be on the show.’ 

BEN FODEN 

 

Age: 36

Profession: Rugby player  

Ben says:  ‘I like the idea of learning a new sport and a new skill. I’m quite competitive as well.’

SALLY DYNEVOR  

 

Age:  58

Profession: Coronation Street actress 

Sally says:  ‘This is a massive challenge. I’m so scared! I’ve just got to take every opportunity I get.’

BEZ

 

Age: 57

Profession: Happy Mondays 

Bez says: ‘I’m always up for a challenge and am already in training on the ice.’

RIA HEBDEN

Age: 36

Profession: Presenter

Ria says: ‘It will be brilliant to learn a new scary skill.’

 CONNOR BALL

Age: 25

 Profession: The Vamps bassist

Connor says: ‘I’m excited obviously but I’m really nervous. I’m quite clumsy, accident prone.’