Chesney Hawkes is forced to pull out of Dancing on Ice

Chesney Hawkes has been forced to pull out of this year's Dancing On Ice after injuring his leg in training.

The singer, who had a number one single in 1991 with The One And Only, is to be replaced by former X Factor contestant Chico.

Hawkes, who's now 40, was practising on the rink for the ITV1 skating show when he fell and sprained his ankle and fractured a bone in his leg.

In a statement he said he was "gutted" not to be taking part.

"I was having a brilliant time and couldn't wait to finally be skating live on national TV," he said.

"It wasn't even a spectacular fall, it was a slight stumble as I practised with my skating partner.

"I think my children are the most disappointed, they were so excited at the prospect of watching me skate.

"I'm determined to be back on the ice. I might not be able to appear in this series but hoping I will be able to appear in the show next year."

'Speedy recovery'

Chico, who reached the quarter-finals of of The X Factor in 2005, said he was "excited" to be joining the show.

The 40-year-old admitted though that it was "not necessarily in the best of circumstances".

"I wish Chesney all the best and a speedy recovery," he said.

"I will not just be skating for myself, I will be skating for Chesney as well and do him proud."

Among the other contestants taking part in the show are Sugababe Heidi Range, actress Jennifer Ellison and British skier Chemmy Alcott.

There are also two new judges - former Olympic champion Katarina Witt and choreographer Louie Spence - who join Robin Cousins on the panel.

The show this year is hosted by Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley, who replaces Holly Willoughby.

Dancing on Ice 2011 was won by former EastEnders actor Sam Attwater.

The seventh series of the ITV1 programme begins at 6.30pm on Sunday 8 January.