Boxer Ricky Hatton MBE has confirmed that he will be taking part in ITV's Dancing On Ice in January of 2024.
He is the first celebrity announced to be taking part in the new series, as he appeared on This Morning to talk to Holly Willoughby and Ben Shephard.
Revealing the news exclusively on the show today, Ricky said: ”If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink. I like setting new challenges and keeping myself busy!"
Speaking to the viewers at home, before Ricky was unveiled, Holly asked: "Are you ready to discover the identity of the first Dancing on Ice celebrity taking to the rink in the New Year?"
Ben followed up: "So far we've told you they're a sportsperson, you've probably guessed that they're a boxer."
Holly said: "Let's find out if you've guessed who it is," before shouting to said celebrity to "reveal yourself".
The camera then panned to a door space covered by paper, through which Ricky boxed his way into the TV studio.
The world champion boxer laughed as he shrugged off his boxing gloves and went to hug both Holly and Ben.
Holly appeared to confirm that she would be returning to host Dancing on Ice next year, as she said to Ricky: "I am so excited to get you on the rink".
The TV star presented Dancing on Ice since 2006 alongside Phillip Schofield, who was her former co-host on This Morning.
But their relationship is believed to have broken down since Phillip admitted to having an affair with a former younger male colleague on the show.
He later quit This Morning after 21 years, and was subsequently dropped by his management.
It's not believed that he will be returning to host Dancing on Ice next year.
OK! has contacted ITV for comment.
Ricky Hatton is the first of 12 celebrities announced who will take on the challenge of skating live each week in a bid to impress both the panel and viewers at home.
Last year, Ricky returned to the ring for the first time in almost a decade for an exhibition bout against Marco Antonio Barrera.
His 45-3 professional record was not affected by the bout, which had no scoring and no official winner declared.
Before that, Ricky fought in November 2012 when he lost to Vyacheslav Senchenko before announcing his retirement.
Dancing On Ice returns to ITV and ITVX in 2024.
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