Beth Tweddle, Matt Lapinskas and Luke Campbell made it through to the Dancing on Ice final tonight (March 3) after an unprecedented semi-final.
Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas was forced to withdraw from the competition this evening after becoming unwell with severe motion sickness.
Thomas, 38, had been struggling all week with rehearsing a routine in which he would 'fly' across the rink. Footage showed him regularly vomiting and struggling to keep his composure.
After failing to perform his rehearsed routine, Thomas was told by paramedics that he would not be allowed to skate again this evening.
However, presenter Philip Schofield announced during the results show that Thomas received some of the lowest votes and therefore would have to perform again. On advice from the show's medical team, Thomas was forced to withdraw immediately from the competition.
It allowed gymnast Tweddle, EastEnders actor Lapinskas and boxer Campbell to sail through to the final without challenge.
To prevent the programme from finishing early, all three finalists then performed their 'Save Me Skate' routines, which they had rehearsed during the week in the event of landing in the 'Skate Off'.
Before performing, Lapinskas said: "I want to wish him [Thomas] all the best and I want to put my heart and soul into it."
Meanwhile, Tweddle added: "It's such a shame for him to go out in this way. Me and Dan [skating partner Dan Whiston] pass on our well wishes to him."
Campbell said that he was "gutted" about the manner in which Thomas had left the competition. He said: "He's another sportsman and that's the last thing you want."
After their performances, mentor Christopher Dean concluded that it was "nice to see everyone perform without the pressure".
The Dancing on Ice final takes place next Sunday (March 10) from 7pm on ITV.
