DANCING On Ice’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton is out to prove he is fighting fit after a tough few years.
The former boxing champ leads the cast of 12 celeb contestants on the ITV show, which returns on Sunday after weeks of upheaval over whether host Holly Willoughby will be back too.
Ricky, who said he felt suicidal after big-fight defeats to Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather in the Noughties, is now keen to enjoy life — as long as he does not embarrass his kids.
Ricky, who has son Campbell and daughters Millie and Fearne, said: “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’d have said no in the past. When it came forward this time, I jumped at the chance and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
“When people see me doing positive things like this, because I’m an ambassador for mental health, it’s inspiring a lot of people. A lot of people are going, ‘Oh, my God’, laughing their heads off but the majority of people are going, ‘Fair play to you, Rick. Where you were a few years ago . . . ’ And that’s what it’s all about as well, isn’t it?”
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Laughing, he added: “My kids Millie and Fearne, they went, ‘Oh my God, Dad. Don’t go embarrassing us’. That fills you with confidence, doesn’t it.”
Another contender putting her best skate forward after health struggles is radio DJ Adele Roberts, who has overcome bowel cancer.
She said: “I’m a massive fan of the show, I have all the DVDs. I wanted to be able to reclaim my body after what it’s been through. I feel like it’s allowing me to take back who I am again.”
Judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will be returning alongside Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo, as well as presenter Holly and her new co-host, Stephen Mulhern.
One celebrity has already had an embarrassing encounter with legendary Olympic skaters Jayne and Christopher. Actress Claire Sweeney, who shot to fame on Brookside and is now in Coronation Street, said: “We meet Torvill and Dean. You’ve got to make your way out to them on the ice and I’m like Bambi.
“I skate, but then I go ‘bang’ and take a really hard fall. But I get back up and carry on for half an hour.
“I’m really proud of myself then I get to my dressing room and catch myself in the mirror and my leggings are ripped from the top of my bum to the bottom. I’d been skating around with my bum hanging out!”
‘Wearing something wild’
When it comes to costumes, the show is famed for glitter and glam — but that does not worry Ricky.
He said: “If you have seen me box, the shorts had sequins and frills on.
“I always used to come out wearing something wild, so I’m not bothered about what they want me to wear.”
Made In Chelsea’s Miles Nazaire says he would even wear a tutu if it helps win votes.
Former Love Island winner Amber Davies has her own game plan — getting tips from her Love Islander ex Kem Cetinay. He made the 2018 Dancing On Ice semis, and Amber said: “I text Kem and he’s given me some advice. He just said, ‘It’s all about confidence, you just need to relax’. But it’s so hard to do that when you’re on the ice because you’re thinking about so many things.”
Former Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford is hoping to use his experience from his time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.
He said: “There are aspects of it which I think maybe aren’t as alien to me. Maybe a little bit with the hands. I’m just mindful of where my hands are going while I’m skating and then there are particular moves that are similar.”
But ski jumper Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards thinks his winter sports background actually hinders him.
He said: “When I ski I’m used to arching my back and going forwards, which is not a good one for skating. It’s why I keep falling on my face.”
Actor Ryan Thomas has a secret plan to win over voters with his costume — stuffing socks into his Lycra leotard.
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It might get him female support — and help if he has a nasty fall . . .
- Dancing On Ice begins on Sunday at 6.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.