18 January 2024 , 22:18
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Eddie the Eagle Edwards is set to make a spectacular entrance on to the ice this weekend...on an eagle.
The former ski-jumper – placed last in the 1988 Winter Olympics – will be suspended on wires and fly on to the rink in one of Dancing on Ice ’s most dramatic stunts. A source said: “Bosses are pulling out all the stops. The art department is putting the final touches to the eagle in a workshop. It’s going to be an entrance to remember.”
Earlier this month we told how Eddie, 60, could finally be a winter sports winner after emerging as the dark horse to triumph on the ITV show. He is said to have hugely impressed the producers.
Eddie at the 2002 Olympics in Utah (Daily Mirror)
Eddie and dance partner Vicky Ogden (PA)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.”
The former Olympian, real name Michael David Edwards, joined show after ex Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb withdrew in October after breaking his left ankle during training. Eddie said he feels a lot of pressure to be a good skater in the contest and that skiing is a totally different sport.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
He added: “When I ski I automatically get myself into a certain stance. That stance is not good for skating, which is why I keep falling on my face. I’m used to arching my back and going forwards.”
Eddie, played by Taron Egerton in the 2016 movie about his spirited but ultimately disastrous Olympic bid, said he wants to make sure he doesn’t to hurt himself on his ice debut. He added: “I used to be very competitive but I’m nowhere near like I used to be. I just go out and enjoy it and have fun doing things.”
The dad-of-two confirmed he had only very minimal skating experience. He said: “I took the girls to a rink when they were little. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve been skating over the last 50 years.”
Also competing for the fist time on Sunday’s show will be radio pre-senter Adele Roberts, EastEnders star Ricky Norwood, actress Claire Sweeney, reality TV personality Miles Nazaire and comic and writer Lou Sanders.
- Dancing on Ice, ITV1, Sunday, 6.30pm.