AN ice skater needed nine stitches after suffering a gash to the face in front of hundreds of fans.
The accident happened as Sergei Malishev - one of the stars of Sleeping Beauty On Ice - was performing at Sunderland Empire earlier this week.
The 22-year-old was caught by the blade of another skater during the opening scene of the second act.
However, he managed to finish the show and was then taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital where he received nine stitches. He has since returned to the ice.
The show, featuring former world champion Mandy Woetzel, finishes at the Empire today with matinee and evening performances. For ticket information, call the box office on 0870 602 1130.
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