Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton has sustained a nasty injury during training for this weekend’s Dancing On Ice.
The soap actor, best known to millions of us as Sean Tully, was taken to hospital on Wednesday after fracturing his ribs during a painful fall on the ice.
Antony, 42, had been rehearsing his next routine with professional skate partner Brandee Malto when they lost their balance and both fell backwards onto the ice.
He said: “Luckily, Brandee was uninjured but I was taken to hospital where I discovered I had fractured a couple of ribs, front and back.
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“I’d like to thank the staff at Silver Blades ice rink in Widnes, the doctor and nurse at The Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, and Brandee, who never left my side throughout.”
There are just two days left until the next Dancing On Ice live show, which takes place Sunday evening.
But, despite the painful injury, actor Antony has insisted the “show must go on” and he will do what it takes to be ready in time to compete.
He said: “The show must go on and as such, we are going to do our best to continue in the Dancing on Ice competition this Sunday.
“Hopefully the painkillers and sequins will see us through.”
A representative for Dancing On Ice confirmed to ED!: “Antony fell on the ice during training and as a precaution was taken to a nearby hospital.
“He has since been released and is now resting ahead of the live show this weekend.”
Antony also updated his fans via Twitter, admitting the pain was intense but he was still determined to power through for Sunday’s skating performance.
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“I’ve never phoned in sick – not once, not ever – and I don’t intend to start now,” he said.
“If you’ve ever broken a rib then you’ll know what the pain is like, but sadly I don’t have four weeks to rest, so I’ll keep going until they stretcher me off!!!”
Fans were quick to wish Antony well and a speedy recovery.
We agree – speedy recovery, Antony!
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