Dame Sarah Storey has shared her deep disappointment at having to withdraw from the upcoming season of Dancing on Ice after suffering a fractured ankle in a training mishap. She described herself as “absolutely gutted” about the setback.
The most successful Paralympian in British history posted on social media on Friday, explaining that an “awkward stumble and fall” occurred as her left foot was “stuck on the ice.” This unfortunate incident has left her unable to participate in the ITV series scheduled to return in January.
Dame Sarah expressed her gratitude to the Dancing on Ice team and the medical professionals involved, noting that thanks to their care, she is “already fixed and home with rehab underway.”
She had been diligently preparing her routine with professional skating partner Sylvain Longchambon but will now have to watch the show from her home while her leg remains in a cast and she uses crutches for mobility.
Sarah Storey, who transitioned from swimming to cycling and has won 30 medals across nine different Paralympic Games, recently secured her 18th and 19th gold medals at the September Paris games. She had already begun rehearsals for Dancing on Ice prior to this injury.
On Instagram, she shared her feelings about the setback: “Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way – just as my first routine with @slongchambon was really coming together!”
She explained the cause of her injury: “An awkward stumble and fall with my left foot stuck on the ice sadly led to me fracturing my left ankle.”
Dancing on Ice (Photo: ITV)
Dame Sarah went on to thank Sylvain Longchambon and coach Stephen Pickavance for their support, along with the show’s medical team, saying:
“I’m so fortunate that both Sylvain and Coach @stephenpickavance were by my side and knew exactly what to do and that the medical backup for the show is truly world class.
“The Head of Medical @sharonmorrisonuk wasted no time in getting me to the very best surgeon so I’m already fixed and home with rehab underway!”
A New Comeback in the Works
The 47-year-old Paralympic champion has confirmed that she is “working with the team at ITV to come up with a plan for what’s next.” She remains focused on regaining her strength and returning to full health in time for the upcoming cycling season.
“My career has seen so many ups and downs with injury and illness, plus returning after two babies, which means I’m well equipped for another comeback,” she added.
Speculation has already started online, with some fans suggesting that Dame Sarah could make a return to Dancing on Ice in 2026.
A decorated athlete made a dame in 2013 for her contributions to para-cycling, Sarah Storey had been the final contestant confirmed for this season’s Dancing on Ice alongside a star-studded cast that included Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, TV presenter Michaela Strachan, and actors Charlie Brooks and Sam Aston.
Other participants expected on the ice include former footballer Anton Ferdinand, Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey, and reality TV stars Mollie Pearce and Ferne McCann.
