09 January 2024 , 21:31
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Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards could finally be a winter sports winner, emerging as a top contender in Dancing on Ice.
The ski-jumper who placed last in the 1988 Winter Olympics has hugely impressed in rehearsals alongside pro Vicky Ogden. A show insider said: “Eddie is keen to downplay his chances but he is looking really good, and could be this year’s one to beat. Eddie, real name Michael Edwards, joined the line-up after former Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb broke his left ankle during training in October. Eddie said he feels pressure to do well on the show but that his skiing experience was no use in the rink.
The daredevil explained: “When I ski, I automatically get myself into a certain stance. That stance is not a good stance for skating, which is why I keep falling on my face.”
Eddie in ski-jump days (Daily Mirror)And the 60-year-old, who suffered several serious injuries ski-jumping, says he no longer wants to risk getting hurt. His rivals include long-jumper Greg Rutherford, boxer Ricky Hatton, singer Hannah Spearritt, comic Lou Sanders, DJ Adele Roberts and TV personalities Amber Davies and Miles Nazaire. Four soap stars are in too: EastEnder Ricky Norwood, Emmerdale ’s Roxy Shahidi and Corrie’s Claire Sweeney and Ryan Thomas.
Holly Willoughby presents, with Stephen Mulhern replacing Phillip Schofield as co-host. Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse return as judges.
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- Dancing On Ice, 6.30pm Sunday, ITV1 and ITVX.