Graham Bell's Dancing On Ice partner Yebin Mok has been forced to withdraw from the launch show after a horrific incident during training.
The professional skater suffered a "freak accident" that saw her inadvertently stabbed with an ice blade - an injury so serious that it left her tendons exposed.
Show hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield revealed the news on This Morning, explaining that Bell will now be partnered by Karina Manta while Mok recovers.
"We had a Zoom meeting yesterday with the team and they showed us a picture that we can not show you on TV," said Schofield.
"Holly couldn't even look at it, she had to look away - and it was a very nasty stab wound from an ice blade.
"You could see the tendons, it's a very dangerous show."
A DOI spokesperson confirmed: "This week Olympic Skier Graham Bell and his partner Yebin had a freak accident which resulted in her having a laceration in her leg.
"Effectively it's a stab wound from an ice blade which has meant she will be out of the show for a few weeks.
"Yebin received immediate medical attention and is now resting and healing."
Bell was due to take to the ice this weekend but will now perform for the first time next week instead, with comedian Rufus Hound and pro partner Robin Johnstone taking his place.
Dancing On Ice launches Sunday night at 6pm on ITV.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
