Dancing On Ice star forced to QUIT just days ahead of launch show
The new series begins on Sunday
The show has already seen a change in presenter, following Phillip Schofield's resignation from ITV/STV, and now Dancing On Ice has been thrown into chaos just days ahead of the launch show, with one of the professional skaters being forced to withdraw.
Pro skater Tippy Packard, who was originally paired with Eddie The Eagle, has picked up a nasty injury meaning she's had to quit the show.
It's now been revealed that Eddie The Eagle, real name Eddie Edwards, will work alongside Vicky Ogden. Vicky confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: '🎉 Exciting Announcement! 🎉 I'm absolutely thrilled to share that I'll be skating with the incredible Eddie on this season of @dancingonice 🌟❄️
'Eddie "The Eagle" is a true legend who has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. This year we're determined to show just how iconic he is. 🇬🇧
'Together, let's recreate the magic and cheer Eddie on like we did all those years ago. 🙌
'Are you ready? 5,6,78 Let's do this, Eddie! 💪❤️'. (sic)
Check out the full Dancing On Ice line-up below:
Ryan Thomas - WINNER
Best known for: Coronation Street actor and TV personality
Miles Nazaire - SECOND PLACE
Best known for: Made In Chelsea star
Miles said ahead of the show: "I've always loved to dance but it's usually on a dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice looks so difficult. I keep thinking about how I'm going to need to have rhythm while balancing on a thin blade and that's when I feel the nerves kick in, but this is such an unbelievable opportunity to get totally out of my comfort zone."
Adele Roberts - THIRD PLACE
Best known for: Radio DJ
Adele said ahead of the show: "It's 'bricking it on ice' for me! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there as I usually hide away. I did radio as it's not visual. That's going to be a big challenge. After cancer I have my life back; I actually can't wait for the glam!"
Greg Rutherford MBE - FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Best known for: Olympic long jumper
Greg said ahead of the show: "My kids love dancing around so hopefully they are going to enjoy watching me dance with blades on my feet! I think this is going to be a really different experience but one that will be quite exciting."
Amber Davies - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Love Island winner and West End star
Amber said ahead of the show: "I would definitely say that I'm an adrenaline junkie but I do get more nervous as I get older and I hope that I can contain them, I don't want the adrenalin to get the better of me. I can count on one hand how many times I've ice skated."
Eddie the Eagle - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Former Olympic Ski Jumper
Eddie said ahead of the show: "It's bittersweet as whilst I'm delighted to be taking part in the new series I'm gutted for Stephen and wish him a speedy recovery. Dancing on Ice is a show I've always wanted to do. It's a challenge I think I'm going to relish!"
Ricky Norwood - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Actor
Ricky said ahead of the show: "Being on the ice! I'm apprehensive about the lifts, especially the headbanger. I've got to trust in the process, trust in the training, trust in the trainers."
Roxy Shahidi - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Emmerdale actress
Lou Sanders - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Comedian and Writer
Lou said ahead of the show: "I'm nervous about cracking my head open, or just bashing the old head. I can't afford to lose any more brain cells. I'm also worried about my partner picking me up, he's going to have to be very strong and very brave."
Claire Sweeney - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Coronation Street actress and TV host
Claire said ahead of the show: "I'm really looking forward to going to an ice rink with my son and actually being able to skate and not have to use the penguins they give you to help you stay upright! I've had to wear my boots around the house... I haven't stepped on the ice yet."
Hannah Spearritt - ELIMINATED
Known for: S Club singer and actress
Hannah said ahead of the show: "I'm really excited about learning a new skill. It's so easy to live your comfortable life and that aspect of mixing things up is very appealing. Fitness is another reason why I'm doing it! It's really exciting."
Ricky Hatton MBE - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Former World Champion Boxer
Ricky said ahead of the show: "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!"
Stephen Lustig-Webb - FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Best known for: Gogglebox star
Stephen said ahead of the show: "The last time I was on the ice I think I was 14 (years old) so almost 40 years ago. I have been back on the ice since just for a quick spin around, I didn't fall over so that was a good thing! I've got a new appreciation for skating. I can see how truly difficult it is. From the comfort of my sofa I was probably a little too judgey, I didn't realise how hard it is!"
Now it's been confirmed that Stephen Mulhern will replace Phillip Schofield, hosting alongside Holly Willoughby, fans are gearing up for the launch show on Sunday 14th January.
In the opening episode, six celebrities will hit the rink, with Amber Davies, Greg Rutherford MBE, Hannah Spearritt, Ricky Hatton MBE, Roxy Shahidi, and Ryan Thomas all performing for the first time.
No celebs will be eliminated this week, with Adele Roberts, Claire Sweeney, Eddie The Eagle, Lou Sanders, Miles Nazaire, and Ricky Norwood all performing next weekend.
Dancing On Ice launches at 6.30pm on ITV/STV on Sunday 14th January.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Dancing On Ice 2024
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