14 January 2024 , 17:30
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Ricky Hatton doesn't expect to lift the Dancing on Ice trophy later this year, but the boxing legend promises to be entertaining on the ITV show's rink.
Speaking last year at the Football For Change 2023 gala, The Hitman admitted he was struggling during the early stages of his training and ruled out his chances of winning the series.
Despite not naturally taking to the ice, Ricky, 45, was enjoying his first few spins around the ice rink and finding that being pushed out of his comfort zone during rehearsals to be "inspiring".
"I'm finding it...I'll be honest, I'm not the best," Ricky admitted when discussing his Dancing on Ice rehearsals in November, before laughing as he replied "ohhh yeahhh" when asked if he'll be injecting some comedy into his routines.
Ricky Hatton has been partnered with Robin Johnstone for his stint on the ITV show (WireImage)
The boxer doesn't fancy his chances of winning this year's series of Dancing on Ice (WireImage)"I've never been on the ice ever in my life," the dad-of-three continued when reflecting on his training. "And then when I think to how I was on the first day, when I couldn't stand up, to what I'm doing at the minute.... I'm not saying I'm gonna be the new Torvill and Dean but it's nice.
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"It really is tough. It's very, very hard for me. And, every time I go and I get that little bit better, it feels great because it's something out of my comfort zone. So it's dead inspiring, to be honest with you."
Ricky was the first was the first celebrity to be confirmed for the new season of Dancing on Ice when the star-studded line-up was unveiled last year. The sports star will perform alongside figure skater Robin Johnstone as they aim to beat the likes of Love Island star Amber Davies and Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney.
"I just thought it was a new challenge for me. I've always liked a challenge," Ricky explained when revealing why he signed up for the ITV series. "I mean, I’m pretty fearless. I think you have to be being a boxer, don't you? I've never been shy of a challenge. It's well-documented a few years ago, I wasn't in a very good place. But since then everything's moving forward and positive in my life. I think a few years ago, I probably wouldn't have been in a position and I'd have said no. When it came forward this time, I jumped at the chance and I’m thoroughly enjoying it."
Asked what his friends and family make of his skating venture, the Stockport legend admitted: "They all thought it was crackers because I can't dance on a solid floor, so I don't know how I'm going to do it on ice! But it was great. The reaction of my kids, Millie and Fearne, they watched the show and they went, "Oh my God, dad. Oh honestly, are you dad? Can't wait for this. Don't go embarrassing us, dad." That fills you with confidence, doesn't it?"