Brave ice dancer Mark was no fall guy

Jan 22 2013 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

Dancing on Ice star Mark Hanretty was recovering at home last night after one of the most dramatic skate-offs in the TV show’s history.

Millions of TV viewers saw Mark end up with a dislocated shoulder after falling while accompanying partner Oona King at the start of their skate for survival.

The Erskine skater was quickly back on his feet, and performed some daring lifts, but made straight for his physio the moment the routine ended.

Mark had more than just his pride dented, as he and Oona were voted off the show in favour of skate rival Gareth Thomas, the former Welsh rugby star.

The bruised and battered star said: “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone for their kind and lovely wishes. I’m just so glad to be home with my wife.

“But the fact that I injured my shoulder shouldn’t detract from the wonderful performance put in by Oona King.

“She is such a lovely lady and I’m so glad to have made such a good friend.”

The couple’s run came to an abrupt end when Mark stumbled and fell but, despite becoming the third couple to leave the show, the professional skater still managed to flash a smile.

When he got up, Mark was clearly in pain and a physio was called to pop his shoulder back into place.

In fact, he was seen whispering ‘sorry’ to his wife who was watching at home.

His celebrity partner – politician Oona King – was called over by flustered presenter Phillip Schofield while the other celebrity contestants looked on, unsure how serious the injury was.

Eventually, Mark and Oona returned to the ice and skated a routine to the song Just The Two Of Us.

Sadly, it counted for nothing when the couple were voted off the programme following a tentative performance in the head-to-head with Thomas.

While speaking to Phillip, Mark joked: “It popped out so they popped it back in again.”

Mark’s wife Kathy, also a skater, is currently pregnant with the couple’s first child and she was quick to assure fans that Mark was okay, although she admitted it was still a nerve-wracking time.

Just moments after Mark had fallen, she said: “I have to admit I was in a bit of a state but I’m fine now and Mark has rung to say he is too and is currently with the physio.

“My Twitter account went crazy with messages so I want to thank everyone for their support and kind words.”

When the incident occurred, Mark’s pro partner Maria Filippov could be seen crying at the side of the stage.

Politician Ms King, said: “I’m sure it was my fault because he’s the most amazing skater in this show.”