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Ricky Hatton almost "chucked the towel in" before Dancing on Ice debut

However, he is "so glad" that he didn't.

Published: Sunday, 14 January 2024 at 8:00 am

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Former professional boxer Ricky Hatton MBE will be taking to the ice this weekend as he gets ready to swap the boxing gloves for skates on this year's Dancing on Ice.

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The world champion was the first contestant to be confirmed for the new series and, in an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, he revealed he didn't think he'd ever get to the stage of performing in front of the judges and a live studio audience.

"A couple of months back when I first stepped foot on the ice I didn't think I was going to get to this stage," he explained.

"For someone like a professional boxer to say how daunting it was, I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew, I was thinking of chucking the towel in."

Ricky Hatton and Robin Johnstone skating for Dancing on Ice

Ricky Hatton and Robin Johnstone. ITV

As Hatton is set to perform his first routine on the ice, fans will be just as glad as he is that he didn't throw in the towel.

The boxer said: "I'm so glad I didn't because I'm getting better and better each session that goes by. Each session I've been seeing improvements."

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Hatton has been partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone, who has been in the business for 27 years.

Johnstone told RadioTimes.com that she has been having the time of her life while on Dancing on Ice and teased a "real exciting" performance.

"You'll enjoy it," Hatton said. "As as always, when I was in the boxing ring I was entertaining and I don't think it's going to chance once I get in this ice rink."

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Dancing on Ice returns Sunday 14th January at 6:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our full TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our Entertainment hub for the latest news.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

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