Vanilla Ice rushed to hospital

Vanilla Ice was rushed to hospital after smashing his head open during 'Dancing On Ice' rehearsals.

The 43-year-old rapper - who is competing alongside professional skater Katie Stainsby in the ITV1 series - was knocked out for three minutes after practising a complicated routine and lift for Sunday night's (30.01.11) show.

After crashing into the ice head first, with blood gushing from just above his eye, the 'Ice Ice Baby' hitmaker was transported to a nearby hospital where he was diagnosed with concussion just hours before he hit the red carpet for Wednesday night's (26.01.11) National Television Awards.

He explained: "Katie scraped me off the ice - I had no idea what happened at first. I was out for a few minutes. There was blood everywhere. I feel like I got hit by a train."

However, show bosses are now said to be concerned Vanilla's ankle - which was also hurt in the ice smash - will not have healed in time for Sunday's episode.

A 'Dancing On Ice' insider added to The Sun newspaper: "Because his head was so bad, he didn't realise his ankle was injured at first. It's touch and go if he'll be OK for Sunday - and, even if he is, bosses are worried about the choreography.

"If a fall this bad happened on live TV it would be an absolute disaster. The lift is huge and needs a lot of power. As he was getting his speed up he went flying. It was awful to watch."