Fall broke my neck, reveals The Jump star Beth
BETH Tweddle told yesterday of her ‘very scary’ ordeal after breaking two bones in her neck while filming for The Jump.
The former gymnast had surgery on Sunday night to fuse her fractured vertebrae together using bone taken from her hip. As she recovered in an Austrian hospital, her parents said the operation had been a success.
Miss Tweddle, 30, who won a bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012, said to her fans: ‘Thank you so much for your support and concern.
‘The last 48 hours have been very scary but all the messages have really helped to keep me positive. I will keep you updated on my progress.’
In a statement, her parents Ann and Jerry said: ‘The early medical indications were positive as Beth was able to move her hands and feet, despite being in a lot of discomfort. It was a scary time for all of us. We’re just very grateful that the operation was a success.’
Miss Tweddle fell on Saturday while training on the ski jump for the Channel 4 show, careering into padding at the end of the landing area. She is one of seven celebrities to have been hurt during the current series.
Yesterday Channel 4 said that ‘in light of the number of injuries this year’ producers will be reviewing the show’s safety procedures. Some viewers have also called for it to be axed, fearing it has become too dangerous.
The latest casualty is Linford Christie, who damaged his hamstring but aims to return to the show next week.
Rebecca Adlington and Tina Hobley have already had to quit while Louisa Lytton, Sid Owen and Mark Francis Vandelli have suffered minor injuries. Channel 4 said: ‘The Jump is now in its third series and since launch 46 celebrities have taken part successfully. Though it is a new course, the events have been designed to be no more difficult than in previous years and all contributors have undertaken a rigorous training programme to prepare them for the show. All winter sports carry some element of risk but in light of the number of injuries this year, Channel 4 has asked the producers to review safety procedures again.’