by Clare Meaney
Ski Sunday presenter Graham Bell’s short time on the ITV show Dancing on Ice has already been dramatic.
The former British racer’s professional skating partner, Yebin Mok, suffered a terrible injury to her leg during training which has put her out of action for at least three weeks.
This meant Graham’s first performance in front of the judges and a TV audience of millions has been put off until Sunday (24 January), although he did take part in the group dance in the first week last weekend.
Karina Mantras, another professional skater, has stepped in to help. Graham told the Skier & Snowboarder that they had worked incredibly hard this week and that Karina had picked up everything very quickly. “I guess that’s why she is a pro!” said Graham.
Yebin is reported to be recovering well and is keen to get back on the ice. She has helped Graham and Karina this week and is described as a ‘fantastic coach’.
She will be getting her stiches out on Monday and will then be hoping to start training with Graham again.
Although Graham and Karina’s routine has to be kept under wrap, there are apparently shades of Ski Sunday which Graham regards as an honour to perform and hopes he will do it justice.
When asked how he felt about Sunday night’s performance he replied: “Yes I am nervous. About as nervous as when I’m standing in the start hut in Kitzbuhel with a camera in my hand.”
Yebin Mok has not been the only Dancing on Ice skater to be injured. TV presenter and actress Denise Van Outen had to skate in the first week with strapping on her shoulder after partially dislocating it after a fall in training and this week came the news that songwriter and musician Myleene Klass hit her head on the ice and blacked out during rehearsals.
* You can see Graham Bell’s first routine in the Dancing On Ice competition on ITV on Sunday (24 January 2021).
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