Fans were first introduced to the American star when he skated onto our screens in 2020 on series 12 of ITV’s popular celebrity skating show Dancing On Ice.
Since then we’ve seen him dazzle in the rink with ITV news presenter Lucrezia Millarini, and most recently alongside S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens.
Despite facing the boot with the popstar, Brendyn, 36, is all set to return to our screens in the show’s first male couple with Brendan Cole while his partner Vanessa Bauer quarantines, leaving thrilled fans excited to see more of the talented dancer.
As he once again laces up his skates, let’s take a look at his amazing career and off-screen romance.
Early Life
The American-born skater grew up in a small town called Renton in the state of Washington and found a passion for skating at an early age.
Despite a shortage of ice rinks in the suburban town, Brendyn took on the support of his loving grandparents who who funded his dreams and enrolled him in a learn-to-skate program at the early age of six.
“At the time there were few ice rinks around,” Hatfield told The Sun/
“My grandparents were living in Marysville then. They’re the ones who got me into skating,” said Brendyn.
He pursued his craft for six years before enrolling in a home school programme that would allow him to compete in major ice-skating competitions.
“At age 12, I got serious,” Hatfield told the Herald Nett.
“I did home schooling and then Running Start in order to have the time to compete.”
The now 36 year old began skating locally and then moved on to compete in regional competitions.
At the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Hatfield studied media management and he began skating in pairs competitions.
After college, he participated in several European tours before landing the coveted role as Aladdin with Disney on Ice and later in Holiday on Ice.
“The kids idolize the Disney characters. You look out into the audience and you see these kids who are just glowing.
“To them we are those characters. It’s fun to act as well as do all the technical skating tricks,” he added. Brendyn had to take a break when he suffered a devastating knee injury.”
He needed reconstructive surgery after falling on the ice and considers his nine-month recovery the greatest challenge of his career so far.
At the time, he told budding young figure skaters: “Stick with it. Skating is a very difficult sport and can be humbling. Practice really does make perfect in figure skating.”
Dancing On Ice marriage
(Image: brendynhatfield/Instagram)
Brendyn is married to fellow Dancing on Ice professional Jessica Hatfield, who is a reserve dancer for the 2022 series.
The couple met on the road during their time with Disney on Ice and have performed worldwide together for many years.
Jessica is also an American skater.
Prior to Dancing on Ice, she also starred in Holiday on Ice with her talented hubby. For series 12, she was paired with Radzi Chinyanganya.
The pair have remained loved-up ever since having tied the knot over nine years ago.
British breakthrough
(Image: jess_hatfield_skater/Instagram)
We’ve all seen him wow fans across the nation with amazing footwork and dazzling jumps on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
He skated onto our screens back in 2020 with his first celebrity partner, ITV news presenter Lucrezia Millarini.
Despite a valiant effort the pair were eliminated in the second round after losing to Kevin Kilbane and Brianne Delcourt in the skate-off.
Speaking to Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about her time on the show, Lucrezia described it as the ‘strangest and craziest’ experience of her life, and praised her ‘amazing’ dance partner Brendyn.
(Image: ITV)
He swiftly moved on to partner with rapper Lady Leshurr and almost made it to the final of the competition.
Despite making the semi-finals and bagging a perfect score earlier in the series, the pair were booted off the series much to the dismay of viewers.
Most recently, fans saw Brendyn attempt to take home the trophy with stunning pop star Rachel Stevens.
Yet again, Brendyn was unable to make to the final after he dropped out in week three after an underwhelming performance with his partner.
Viewers don’t have to say goodbye to the star yet though, as ITV will be bringing back the skater to fill in for professional skater Vanessa Bauer.
Brendyn will form an all-male partnership with Brendan Cole on this weekend’s Dancing on Ice, after his pro partner Vanessa pulled out the show after testing positive for Covid.
A Dancing on Ice spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, Vanessa Bauer is unable to skate this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19. We look forward to Vanessa returning to the competition soon.
“Brendan Cole will still perform in this Sunday’s show and will be partnered with professional skater Brendyn Hatfield.”
While Brendan is “absolutely gutted” to miss out on partnering with Vanessa once again, he is delighted about forming an all-male partnership with Brendyn.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
