Olympic skater Elise Christie '˜ripped off by builders'

OLYMPIC skater Elise Christie has revealed she was ripped off by cowboy builders.

Elise Christie says builders disappeared after failing to finish extension work on her home. Picture: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

She has told how they disappeared after failing to finish extension work on her home.

The 27-year-old said she had paid up front for work at her property in Nottingham. But now she claims the rogue company has failed to finish the job.

Elise turned to her 44,000 Twitter followers for help and received dozens of messages of support after the message was spotted by shocked fans.

TV DIY experts Nick Knowles and Dom Littlewood waded in with tips and support after seeing the appeal.

Elise said: “I’ve had an extension built and the people have run off with my money and not finished the project! I was wondering if anyone knows anyone that could help out? Thanks guys.”

Dom Littlewood said: “Your local Trading Standards are the place to start. Good luck, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.”

Nick Knowles added: “I’m sure there’ll be someone wanting to help out our most determined inspirational Olympian to get the place finished.”

Tony Pearce wrote: “Hi Elise – it’s your neighbour Tony.

“Not sure we can help legally, but if you need a bloke to finish the extension, we know a VERY good guy, who’s a contractor my wife’s company uses.

“He’s a sound guy. Come across if you want more info. Cheers.”

Lisa Storer wrote: “Oh God how horrible. I think you probably need to contact the police. If you need someone to finish some of the jobs let me know as I am based in Nottingham and my husband owns his own home improvement company.”

Ann Scott said: “Speak to your local trading standards officer.

“They may be able to help. Awful thing to happen. Good luck.”

Elise still managed to see the funny side of her bad luck after receiving a message advising her against looking for a hitman to solve the problem.

She said: “Haha don’t want a hitman, looking for another company to take over.”

Unlucky Elise is still recovering from the disappointment of failing to win a medal at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

The short track speedskater was double disqualified from the 1500m heats while competing with an ankle injury which would ordinarily require six weeks of rehabilitation.

But Elise – a world champion – has already vowed to compete again in Beijing in 2022. And she slammed those who sent her abusive messages in the wake of her Olympic disappointment.

She grew up in Livingston, West Lothian, before moving south of the border just shy of her 16th birthday.

She is now based at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham with the rest of the British team.