British ski jumping legend Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards is set to trade in his skis for ice skates as he joins the 2024 series of the popular ITV1 show, ‘Dancing on Ice,’ as an emergency replacement. This exciting development comes after ‘Gogglebox’ star Stephen Lustig-Webb, 52, had to withdraw from the competition due to a broken ankle sustained over the weekend.
Eddie Edwards, now 59 years old, made history in 1988 when he became the first athlete to represent Team GB in ski jumping at the Winter Olympics. His remarkable journey captured the hearts of the nation and earned him the enduring nickname ‘The Eagle.’ Speaking about his upcoming appearance on ‘Dancing on Ice,’ Eddie said, “It’s bittersweet, as while I’m delighted to be taking part in the new series, I’m gutted for Stephen and wish him a speedy recovery. ‘Dancing on Ice’ is a show I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a challenge I think I’m going to relish!”
Eddie will be sharing the ice with a diverse lineup of celebrities, including world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, actress Claire Sweeney, singer Hannah Spearritt, West End star Amber Davies, Olympian and presenter Greg Rutherford, TV personality Miles Nazaire, comedian Lou Sanders, actor Ricky Norwood, broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts, actor Ryan Thomas, and ‘Emmerdale’ star Roxy Shahidi.
A TV source told The Sun, “Eddie is a brilliant signing for ‘Dancing on Ice’ – he’s known to all and is remembered so fondly as Britain’s ski jump pioneer. It’s fair to say he’s probably more at home on the ice than others, but he’s now nudging sixty, so who knows, he could be more feeble than Eagle.”
Eddie Edwards was famously portrayed by actor Taron Egerton in the 2016 biopic ‘Eddie the Eagle.’ His journey from a plasterer to an Olympic ski jumper who took the world by storm continues to inspire people worldwide. Despite finishing last in both the 70-meter and 90-meter events at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, Eddie set a British record at 71 meters – a record that still stands today, albeit surpassed by Sam Bolton’s incredible 134.5-meter jump. Eddie Edwards remains ranked sixth on the list of the all-time greatest British ski jumpers, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of winter sports.
‘Dancing on Ice’ is set to return to ITV1, STV, and ITVX in 2024, featuring the 12 celebrities who will take to the ice each week, showcasing their skating skills in a bid to impress both the judges and viewers at home.
