The 37-year-old Olympian announced he had "effectively [given himself] a C-section" when he tore his abdominal muscles after sliding through the legs of professional skaters Brendyn Hatfield and Colin Grafton.

Mr Rutherford shared the news on Instagram saying his "horribly painful" injury would be operated on "today" (21 March).

He would "be on the mend" after this surgery, the retired long-jump specialist added.

The star appeared to be in positive spirits as he walked in the woods with his dogs and partner Susie Verrill, 35, who joked about the nature of his injury saying that his penis had fallen off.

In his most recent story, he showed himself in a hospital bed before the "big slice" happened, as Verrill also posted a story saying he was "doing amazing".

Rutherford also showed fans the moment he sustained the injury on the rink.

The former athlete was taken for treatment hours before the ITV finale on 10 March.

He was unable to perform with professional partner Vanessa James, leaving Made In Chelsea star Miles Nazaire, broadcaster Adele Roberts and soap star Ryan Thomas to battle it out for the title.

In the end, it was Thomas, 39, and his skating partner Amani Fancy, 26, who were crowned champions of the 2024 series, with the former Coronation Street actor dedicating the trophy to Rutherford.

Disappointed he was unable to perform the Bolero dance, Rutherford nevertheless had congratulated Thomas on his win.

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"Well done, brother, I'm glad I've got a friend for life in you," he had said, adding: "He's had his fair share of ups and downs during his process, so to come out winning is utterly spectacular."

Rutherford had been top of the leaderboard going into the show's finale, and was the second favourite to win according to bookmaker William Hill.

Before retiring from sport in 2018 due to an ankle injury, Rutherford won a gold medal in the long jump at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and he also claimed bronze at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.