Sylvain Longchambon is reportedly set to miss the first few episodes of Dancing On Ice this year, after he sustained an injury during training for Dancing On Ice.

The show returns to ITV early next month and the French hunk had been partnered with Sugababes star Heidi Range, but during rehearsals he damaged muscles in his arm, which will mean the blonde beauty may need to perform with another professional for the first few installments in January.

A source told The Sun that bosses are devastated by the news, as Sylvain had been one of the most popular skaters on last year’s series and they hoped the chemistry between him and his new partner would bring in viewers.

An insider explained: “This is gutting news for everyone concerned.

“Heidi and Sylvain were to be the glamour couple of the new series. He hurt the muscles in his right arm while practising on the ice with Heidi. It is quite serious.”

Thankfully Longchambon has not done any lasting damage to his arm and will skate again, however for now, he has to res, take it easy and coach his new partner from the sidelines until it heals. The insider added:

“Sylvain will be fine but it’s not yet known how long he will be out.

“Producers are confident he will be able to recover in time to rejoin Heidi later in the series. But for now they are planning to draft in a standby professional skater to partner her until Sylvain is better.

“He will still be involved in the choreography but he will have to do it from the sidelines.”

Christine Bleakley yesterday admitted that she was surprised and concerned by how many of the new skaters fell and hurt themselves at a recent show and tell day, in which she and fellow presenter Phillip Schofield met the new celebrities.

We have loads of Dancing On Ice gossip and spoilers here and details on this year’s rumoured lineup here.

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