Suzanne Shaw has slammed Dancing On Ice for wasting valuable NHS time during the pandemic.
The HearSay singer, 39, who starred on the show in 2004, said she could understand the backlash the ITV show has received after three contestants were hospitalised before the show even launched.
Both figure skaters Yebin Mok and Andy Buchanan required hospital treatment after suffering injury while rehearsing with respective partners Graham Bell and Rebekah Vardy, while Denise Van Outen dislocated her shoulder.
Hitting out: Suzanne Shaw has slammed Dancing On Ice for wasting valuable NHS time during the pandemic
Suzanne wrote in her Closer Magazine column: ‘Our NHS is already struggling under the strain of the pandemic, so does it help if people are heading into hospital because of injuries created by an entertainment show?
‘I can understand the public backlash DOI got over that.
‘I love the show, but I hope it doesn’t take up any more of the NHS’ time.’
MailOnline has contacted Dancing On Ice for comment.
Strain on NHS Suzanne, 39, said she could understand the backlash the show has received after three contestants were hospitalised (pictured Denise Van Outen)
Painful: Denise dislocated her shoulder while rehearsing with professional partner Matt Evers ahead of the show’s launch
Past contestant: Suzanne starred on the show in 2004 with her pro skater Matt Evers
Despite show venue Bovington Airfield having an on-site medic and physiotherapist, it’s understood that all three contestants were sent to A&E after sustaining their injuries, with Mok – who suffered a deep gash to the leg – remaining in hospital overnight.
A faction of viewers have since criticised the show for putting undue pressure on doctors and nurses as they struggle to cope following a dramatic spike in coronavirus infections across the United Kingdom.
Taking to Twitter, one concerned fan wrote: ‘This needs to stop or change. We need to protect our NHS not put additional and completely avoidable strain on it.’
Not happy: A faction of viewers criticised the show for putting undue pressure on doctors and nurses as they struggle to cope following a dramatic spike in coronavirus infections
The same fan added: ‘Love @dancingonice but already seen at least 3 admissions to A&E at a time when the NHS is deciding who lives or dies because of how critically stretched they are now…
‘Is this responsible? Surely @ITV could afford to pay for private medical treatment instead.’
A second wrote: ‘UK Gov: don’t put unnecessary strain on the NHS… ITV: let’s strap knives to celebrities’ feet.’
Commenting on the show’s growing injury list, a third commented: ‘I found it really upsetting watching the program @dancingonicelast night noticing how many people on the show had to go to A&E at a time when our @NHSuk is so overstretched!’
Nasty: Professional skater Andy Buchanan needed treatment after being struck in the face with celebrity partner Rebekah Vardy’s ice skate while training
Professional skater Yebin praised the NHS from her hospital bed after she was stabbed in the shin by celebrity partner Graham Bell’s ice skate in a freak accident, leaving her tendons exposed.
Taking to Instagram, Yebin, 34, shared a snap of herself and wrote: ‘#NHS appreciation post!!! Just massive thank you the staff of Watford hospital!
‘Doctors, surgeons, nurses, scrub nurses, operating team, anesthetists, urgent care, recovery care. They were all so kind, so caring and looked after me so well on my overnight on Monday.
‘They truly are heroes’: Yebin praised the NHS from her hospital bed after requiring an overnight stay in hospital
‘They truly are heroes! So grateful for the care I received. And my leg is feeling so much better already thanks to them.
‘Had a glimpse of what @drtom_onice and all of our dr. Family members and friends who works in NHS might go through in their day.
‘And I’m just thankful & proud. You guys are simply amazing. We citizens are lucky to have you.’
In a separate incident fellow skater Any Buchanan needed treatment after being struck in the face by partner Rebekah Vardy’s skate.
ITV declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.
Statement: Yebin added that she’ll be ‘like a nervous mom at the side of the rink’ while supporting Graham