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GETHIN Jones suffered a ‘serious’ fall live on air as medics rushed to help him during his Comic Relief Challenge.
The daring duo were putting their stamina to the test in an epic endurance event – but things went wrong during their final hurdle.
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Gethin and Helen Skelton were set to finish the challenge at 10am on Friday, but he took a huge tumble when he fell on the rink.
The TV presenter crashed into the side of the wall and hit the deck, resulting in him hurting his back.
Morning Live host Sara Cox updated fans on Gethin after the shock injury.
She told viewers: “Now, this is really horrible. Gethin has just had – this is really serious – a massive fall. Look at this. He’s so stiff anyway and just seized up.
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“Genuinely it was make-or-break whether he could finish the challenge but he’s determined the get to that finish line.”
BBC Breakfast hosts Nina Warhurst and Ben Thompson also caught up with Gethin and Helen during the final hour.
Gethin said: “I actually don’t know where to start”, before encouraging Helen to speak by saying: “Go on Hel, you go.”
Helen said: “We’re so tired. He’s literally just stacked it into the side but he didn’t want to miss out on speaking to you guys and the rules are we have to keep skating the whole time.
“It has been more of a challenge than what we were expecting.”
Strictly legends and Traitors’ stars to join Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton on their epic 24-hour roller-skating challenge
Nina said: “Gethin, I’ve never seen you like this”, to which he responded: “I’m sorry. My back has been pretty bad.”
Those watching were left concerned for Gethin after he sustained the painful looking injury.
One wrote: “Congrats to Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones on their roller-marathon for Comic Relief. I hope Gethin gets attention from medics sharpish – bad back, bulging disc, pain and a severe fall – these are not funny. Seriously.”
A second posted: “Respect to Gethin Jones on BBC 1’s “Morning Live” today. Obviously still affected by his injury whilst raising a significant sum of money skating for charity.”
Despite the setback, the pair finished the challenge and raised £890,745 for Red Nose Day.
He said afterwards: “The total as it stands is £890,000. It’s been another ridiculous, brutal, exhausting, exhilarating, emotional experience and I think when people watch where the money goes to, it really hits people hard, and I’ll never underestimate or not appreciate the fact that times are hard but people still donated.
“To raise that money is fantastic and it’s such a privilege to do it on behalf of Comic Relief and hopefully we can change lives and maybe even save lives.”
The telly favourites laced up their skates for the epic fundraiser, with stars from Strictly, Gladiators, The Traitors, and even Bluey there to support.
With themed hours featuring everything from boy bands to Bollywood bangers, they needed all motivation they could get to keep rolling to the finish line.
Gethin and Helen were joined by a star-studded lineup, including Briony May Williams, Strictly’s Lauren Oakley, Jowita, Luba, and Neil Jones, Kimberley Walsh, Jacqui Joseph, Rebecca Wilcox, Justine Jones, and OJ Borg.
Comedian Stephen Bailey, beloved kids’ character Bluey, boyband dearALICE, and All Star Traitors’ Jaz, Paul, Ash, Anthony, Minah, Jack, Jake, Kas, and Tyler also participated.
Before taking to the rink, Gethin said: “I had never set foot in a roller skate up until 6 weeks ago! It’s been a steep learning curve, with lots of bumps and bruises along the way.
“Two years ago we did a dance-athon for Comic Relief, and raised over £1.2million! I was overwhelmed with people’s generosity.
“Helen and I will give it our all this year, roller skating for 24hours! Your donations will change lives, all over the world.”
Helen said: “Preparing for this challenge has been so fun, but I’m by no means a professional skater!
“The hardest thing for me will be going for 24 hours straight, so I’m really glad I’ve got Gethin by my side and we will keep focused by thinking about the brilliant work that Comic Relief does for people facing difficult times.
“Our Morning Live viewers will keep us motivated. Please give whatever you can and we promise to give you some laughs in return!”
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