GREG Rutherford was ‘destined to win’ Dancing on Ice before his horror fall ruled him out.
The Olympian, 37, was one of the favourites to win this year’s series of the ITV show – however he won’t skate tonight after suffering an injury in rehearsals.
Greg’s pro partner Vanessa James shared on Instagram that they had to withdraw from the competition today.
It haf already been predicted to be the “the closest ever” final out of all 16 series, and body language expert Darren Stanton believed that Greg would have been the one that came out on top.
Darren told Betfair Casino: “I predict Greg and Vanessa will win the competition. I have a feeling Greg and Vanessa could be lifting the trophy on Sunday.
“They have been consistently strong and connected the whole way through.
“Greg and Vanessa’s technical abilities on the ice are connected and executed with a lot of ease.
“At this stage, they are worlds apart from Ryan and Amani in terms of their level of skill.
“When you see Greg and Vanessa perform, Greg is so advanced that he could be a professional skater.
“It’s effortless and every movement is performed so seamlessly.
“It comes so naturally to them at this stage, and that is key for any finalist.
“They prove that they don’t find it challenging in the slightest and they’re enjoying themselves.”
Today Dancing on Ice was thrown into chaos when it was revealed that Greg could no longer take part in the competition.
Vanessa said on social media: “Unfortunately Greg has sustained a significant injury this morning at rehearsals and won’t be able to perform tonight.
“We are on our way to the hospital for Greg to get examined further and receive the treatment he needs.”
Fans rushed to the comments section to share their love and support.
One commented: “Oh nooooo! You guys must be gutted. Get better soon Greg x.”
“Oh no, sorry to hear this. Hope Greg is OK. You two were always my winners,” another wrote.
Greg had previously hurt his groin at the start of the competition.
The celebrities who didn’t make it to the final are:
Speaking about his injury, he said: “I thought I was out of the show at that point, I didn’t think I was (going to be) able to carry on because it was so painful.
“And we’ve been effectively just letting it heal as much as we can, while still pushing. I’ve been really, really lucky… (it is) still healing so it still, pulls ever so often (and) feels a bit tight and sore.
“But this is performance-led and I had exactly the same when I was an athlete, I think there’s probably only one major in my career where I felt completely healthy.
“So you expect to have these little niggles and little issues, so you just put your mind to it and push through it.”
It comes after betting company Coral shared who they think is going to win.
Made In Chelsea star Miles is 5-4 to win, followed by Greg (6-4), Adele (7-2), and Ryan (5-1).
Coral’s John Hill said: “Miles tops the betting to win this evening’s Dancing On Ice final, however, our betting suggests this is the closest final in history, with all four contestants attracting support.
“Greg has been the biggest mover in the betting over the last few days, as many punters believe he will lift the trophy this evening.”
The Dancing On Ice final will air on ITV and ITVX at 6.25pm tonight
