Ice Queen hopeful Zoe Salmon was forced to put on a brave face last night and take to the ice with a rib injury.

The Bangor born ex-Blue Peter presenter was one of three Dancing on Ice contestants to suffer injuries during gruelling training schedules last week.

>>Salmon on ice...click here for the video interview with Zoe

However the 28-year-old former Miss Northern Ireland skated through the pain barrier and finished in third position.

Dancing to the 80s classic I Think We’re Alone Now »by Tiffany, and dressed in an electric blue lycra suit complete with leg warmers and side ponytail Zoe’s daring routine included an upside down lift and a spin on one foot.

Partner Matt Evers said they had to change the final part of the routine to accommodate the injury.

But it was Zoe’s trademark long blonde hair, and not her ribs, that caused the problem after her locks becamed tangled in her fake eyelashes during one of the lifts.

And although she received one of the highest scores of the night, the performance did not win over notoriously tough judge Jason Gardiner who said: “I actually thought that routine really captured the feeling and fun of the 1980s. Still, I didn’t feel a thrill with any of your lifts — you weren’t the Zoe I’m used to seeing.”

“I was really nervous,” said Zoe. “I know a number of us girls have sustained injuries this week and I really did feel the nerves.

“There was something lacking tonight and I felt it too.”

Earlier in the week she had to be rushed to hospital where an examination revealed she had a muscle spasm between two ribs.

She said: “It’s a really sharp pain and its going in waves throughout the side of my body,” the tearful star sobbed.

“Every time it does, it's like someone has punched me. The good news is its not broken.

“I’m not going to let it get in the way of us going out and doing our 80s thing,” she said.

Fellow skaters, actress Roxanne Pallett and singer Jessica Taylor also sustained injuries to their ribs.

Roxanne, who needed hospital treatment on Tuesday, said: “It’s quite deflating when you get an injury. But once you leave the show you can’t go back so I’m going to be brave.”

Singer Ray Quinn received full marks from all five judges and remains the bookies’ favourite to win. Former rugby player Ellery Hanley became the latest celebrity to be booted off the show last night.