Max Evans has called his Dancing On Ice partner Ale Izquierdo “a tough cookie” as she prepared to return to the rink soon after a terrifying fall.

The professional skater was taken to hospital on Saturday after falling while she and the rugby star were rehearsing ahead of Sunday-night’s programme.

Pictures showed Izquierdo lying flat on her back on the ice with Evans standing next to her with his hand at his brow.

Dancing on Ice 2018
Max Evans and his show partner, professional skater Ale Izquierdo (ITV)

Hours before Sunday’s show, Evans posted a message on Twitter to say they would be skating.

“I’m very happy to say @ALEIZK & I have had a little skate and we are ready for a full dress rehearsal!” he said.

“Fingers crossed all goes well and we’ll be ready to put in a good performance tonight! Thank you for all your messages of support, means so much x.”

He later tweeted that she was “a tough cookie”.

The ITV series has returned after a four-year hiatus, with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Jason Gardiner and Ashley Banjo on the judging panel.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are back as presenters, and Willoughby has been wowing viewers with her wardrobe choices.

As Sunday’s show got under way, fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on her latest look, a stunning white dress with one shoulder and a thigh high split.

One wrote: “Swear holly Willoughby could wear a bin bag for DOI and she would still absolutely slay.”

“Omg @hollywills dress is unreal!” said another.

This week one more celebrity will be eliminated from the competition.