Ricky Hatton is set to strap on his skates for Dancing On Ice.
The former boxer is the first celeb to have been confirmed for the new series of the ice-skating competition, which starts early next year. The news was announced on ITV’s This Morning.
Appearing on the show, the 44-year-old told hosts Holly Willoughby and co-host Ben Shephard of why he signed up: “It was well documented that I struggled with retirement when I retired from boxing… I’m going to do my little bit now for mental health and trying to give a little back.”
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Ricky said that when he left boxing his “world fell apart a little bit” and that it was all about keeping busy these days. And he said signing up to Dancing On Ice was a part of that.
(Image: ITV)
He admitted that he wasn’t much of a skater, joking: “But being a boxer I have been on my a*** a few times!” The sports star said it would be “a challenge” but that he would give it 100%.
Ricky said there would probably be “a few speed bumps and some scary moments” when the contest gets under way. But he added: “If you can hold your nerve in the boxing ring I should be OK to hold my nerve on the ice rink.”
(Image: ITV)
The boxer said he hadn’t been allowed to tell many people that he had signed up but that he had told his daughters. “They found it absolutely hysterical,” he laughed.
Fans of the programme said Ricky would be an exciting addition, with many taking to X, formerly Twitter to share their thoughts. “Our excitement for Dancing On Ice is so high… wow,” said one. “Ricky Hatton. Wow. Amazing.” “Pound for pound Ricky Hatton was a beast in his day,” said another.
(Image: ITV)
The announcement may baffle some fans, as it comes before the hosts of the ice show have been confirmed. Holly used to host Dancing On Ice with her former This Morning co-star Phillip Schofield, but he left the sofa earlier this year after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a much younger male colleague.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
