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Boxing legend Ricky Hatton first star confirmed for Dancing On Ice 2024-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
‘I like setting new challenges and keeping myself busy!’
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Boxing legend Ricky Hatton is the first star confirmed for next year’s Dancing on Ice.
The 44-year-old was unveiled for the upcoming series during Tuesday’s episode of This Morning after presenters Ben Shephard and Holly Willoughby teased the news earlier in the show.
When asked how he thinks he’ll do in the competition, he said: ‘If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink. I like setting new challenges and keeping myself busy! When I retired I had nothing to do.’
Ricky admitted he isn’t ‘much of a skater or a dancer’ but believes his boxing past will serve as an advantage.
However, the former boxing champion confessed he thinks they’ll be a few ‘speed bumps’ along the way.
Ricky Hatton is ready to go! (Picture: ITV)
Another batch of contestants are expected to be revealed for the series, which traditionally starts in January and runs into March.
They’ll be looking to impress the judging panel, which last year featured Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse.
In the latest series, British gymnast Nile Wilson and professional partner Olivia secured the title of Dancing On Ice champions 2023 in a truly spectacular moment.
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Drag queen The Vivienne – real name James Lee Williams – and partner Colin Grafton were announced earlier on as third place, narrowly missing out on the chance to skate Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s iconic Olympic routine.
And after two gorgeous boleros from tearful gymnast Nile and pro Olivia, and Towie’s Joey Essex and partner Vanessa Bauer, it was certainly a tough one to call.
Understandably, winner Nile was left in a real state of shock when his name was called by former host Phillip Schofield.
Other contestants included Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton, Coronation Street actress Mollie Gallagher, and comedian Darren Harriott.
Dancing On Ice will return to ITV in January 2024.
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