Chesney Hawkes could be forced to pull out of this year's Dancing On Ice before setting foot on the ice following a damaging ankle injury. The singer, still best known for his 90s hit The One and Only, missed the show's official press conference earlier this week and looks unlikely to make the launch show at the weekend.
Hawkes was supposed to be competing against 14 other celebrities, including Jennifer Ellison, in a bid to win the competition judged this year by Louis Spence and Katarina Witt, Robin Cousins and Nicky Slater. Prior to his injury, Chesney spoke enthusiastically about appearing on the show, telling the UK's Metro newspaper, "'I'm throwing myself into it 100 per cent, well, as much as I can with three jobs and three kids". He also spoke of his reluctance to be this year's Todd Carty - who endured a torrid time on the show several years ago which culminated in him losing control on the ice and skating out of the rink, Chesney said, "I guess I'm dreading doing a Todd Carty really and not being ready technically. I just want to be comfortable and being able to do the steps second nature. It's when you think too much is when it all goes wrong".
Although Hawkes' current condition is unclear, all will be revealed during the series premiere on Sunday January 8, 2012. Christine Bleakley takes over from Holly Willoughby as host.