DANCING On Ice host Stephen Mulhern had a hilarious response for Ricky Hatton after the boxer "punched" him live on air.
The ITV skating competition returned on Sunday night but there were more drama off the ice than on.
Ricky, 45, left fans in hysterics after he "punched" Stephen as he made his debut - leaving co-presenter Holly Willoughby gobsmacked.
After the show, a message appeared on Ricky's X account.
It said: "Ricky even landing knockout blows on Dancing on Ice. Hope you’re okay Stephen Mulhern."
Stephen took the message in good humour and replied: "I'm already starting to bruise!"
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Many fans were left in stitches with the pairs banter and raced to social media to comment.
One viewer wrote: "Hahahaha I have to say well done Ricky Hatton. Laughing so hard over that punch."
A second joked: 'Mulhern defo needed that punch by Hatton'.
While another cheekily commented: "Stephen is going to sue Ricky Hatton for that punch."
During a skit, Ricky was asked to hold the microphone, but funnyman Stephen kept trying to wind him up.
Holly declared: "Just hit him Ricky please."
Ricky then launched a convincing looking left hook at him and he took a tumble live on air as part of the routine.
Holly, who made her return to TV tonight after three months, initially looked shocked but then cheered at the joke.
Ricky found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard tonight - receiving 12.5 points from the judges.
Dressed in a boxing outfit, Ricky wore knee pads as he referenced boxing moves on the ice and did press-ups to Rocky movie theme tune Gonna Fly Now by Bill Conti with his skating partner Robin Johnstone.
Judge Ashley Banjo said it was "iconic" and said he can be proud of the audience's reaction.
Ahead of his first skate, Ricky received a video message from boxer Tyson Fury saying "good luck".
Tyson said: "Hi Rick. Tyson Fury here.
"I'm over in training camp with the undisputed, taking this time out to wish you a massive, massive good luck with Dancing On Ice.
"All the best guys. Do the best.
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"Knock em out Rick!"
Unfortunately, Ricky could face elimination next week following a public vote, which means he will be in the skate off.
