Dancing on Ice vote cancelled after rugby star falls ill

The viewers' vote on the popular ITV show Dancing on Ice was cancelled yesterday evening after former international rugby player Gareth Thomas was forced to withdraw.

Fans who called into the show and want a refund from their phone vote have been told to check the Dancing on Ice website.

After completing his first routine with partner Robin Johnstone, presenter Philip Schofield cut short an interview with Gareth because he could see that he was "swaying when he was standing beside me and it was obvious that there was something wrong".

Medics examined the sportsman after leaving the ice and decided it would be unsafe for him to participate in his second routine.

A spokesperson said:

His skating partner Robin told the programme that Gareth "did not have any energy left and that he was resting with a physio".

Gareth had apparently started feeling unwell earlier in the week when the competitors started introducing flying moves using a harness into their routines.

His withdrawal means EastEnders actor Matt Lapsinskas, Olympic boxer Luke Campbell and the bronze winning gymnast Beth Tweddle will now progress to the final.