12:23pm Wednesday 17th March 2010
© Press Association 2011
Dancing On Ice star Hayley Tamaddon is struggling with a rib injury which could put her hopes of victory in jeopardy.
The 33-year-old former Emmerdale actress is favourite to win the ITV celebrity skating contest, but a suspected cracked rib injury she suffered weeks ago has flared up, making rehearsals with professional partner Daniel Whiston increasingly difficult.
Hayley, who got through to the semi-finals on Sunday night, tweeted on Monday "I am shattered and have a crazy week ahead and I am struggling with my rib injury... must rest," but is confident she will pull though, saying on Twitter on Wednesday: "My ribs are bad but totally workable - nothing will ever stop me skating!"
She went on: "There are people in the world with much [bigger] problems than me and I'm not gonna moan about a bit of pain... I will skate through it and take lots of painkillers and get strapped up! All will be fine Sunday."
The Sun reports Hayley and Dan's routine for the semi-finals involves a lot of lifts which is exacerbating the injury and EastEnder Danniella Westbrook's constant improvement is becoming even more of a threat to Hayley's chances of winning the show.
Meanwhile, acid-tongued judge Jason Gardiner has branded Hayley's last performance "cheesy" and says Danniella has more sex appeal.
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