Dancing On Ice’s star Sir Steve Redgrave has revealed he might be risking an ‘unbearable pain’ due to his ‘frozen shoulder’ – as he prepares to take part in the skating competition.
The Olympic rower, 62, is familiar with gruelling trainings but admitted he is on the ‘lower level’ of learning how to skating.
The sportsperson, who is paired with pro-skater Vicky Ogden on the hit BBC show, praised his companion for ‘keeping him up’ and admitted he has only ‘fallen twice’ since working with her.
He told The Sun: ‘My biggest fear was that if I fall over, how I will use my hands to get me back up as I can’t close one hand and can’t straighten either of them because of my diabetes, so I can’t put my hands down flat.
‘I thought somebody may have to come out and haul me back up to finish a routine, but fortunately I can get back up on my own.
‘And I’ve got a frozen shoulder! Whatever happens, I will not fall on that shoulder as the pain will be unbearable, so if I fall, I tend to do a very good roll.’
Dancing On Ice’s star Sir Steve Redgrave revealed he might risk to suffer an ‘unbearable pain’ due to his ‘frozen shoulder’ – as he prepares to take on the skating competition (pictured this month)
The sportsperson, who is paired with pro-skater Vicky Ogden on the hit BBC show, praised his companion for ‘keeping him up’ (pictured together)
The retired rower added the rest of the cast could ‘skate at ease’ – leading him to think he was starting from a beginner level.
He explained that despite being a sportsperson, learning skating skills at 62 is a ‘very slow process.’
But Sir Steve seems fully committed to amaze the judges – and moreover the public.
The Olympian – who suffers from diabetes and arthritis – admitted he hopes to ‘put on a good show’ although his skills aren’t going to be ‘fantastic’.
Ahead of the series’ launch episode, Sir Steve talked about how his diabetes and the condition affecting his hands could impact his performance on the show.
The former athlete, who has five Olympic gold medals to his name, is among a slew of famous faces who will take to the ice when the ITV show returns this weekend.
Discussing his decision to take part, he said: ‘I’ve never had the opportunity before as my diary was always so packed due to my training.
‘The other reason is because earlier this year Chris (Dean) and Jayne (Torvill) celebrated their 40th anniversary of them winning in Sarajevo (at the Winter Olympics) and it’s my 40th anniversary as well.
‘I’ve got a frozen shoulder! Whatever happens, I will not fall on that shoulder as the pain will be unbearable, so if I fall, I tend to do a very good roll,’ he told The Sun
Explaining why he joined the skating contest, he previously said: ‘Earlier this year Chris (Dean) and Jayne (Torvill ) celebrated their 40th anniversary of them winning in Sarajevo (at the Winter Olympics) and it’s my 40th anniversary as well’
‘I’ve been diabetic for almost 30 years so the sensation in my feet isn’t as good as what it used to be so navigating my footing on the ice could be a problem,’ he added (pictured in August)
‘The show asked me to record a segment for Chris and Jayne and what they mean to British sport, both then and now, and at the end of it I said ‘I suppose you’re going to try and get me on the show now’ and here I am.’
Sir Steve won his first Olympic gold medal more than 40 years ago in the coxed fours in the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
Reflecting on what he was most nervous about, he said: ‘I’ve been diabetic for almost 30 years so the sensation in my feet isn’t as good as what it used to be so navigating my footing on the ice could be a problem.
Dupuytren’s contracture is when one or more fingers bend in towards the palm and although it is not usually painful, it tends to get slowly worse over time, according to the NHS website.
The ITV skating show returns to British screens on Sunday with Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern at the helm, and fans were treated to promo shots of the celebrities and professional partners on Tuesday.
Among the stars taking part in this year’s competition include Sir Steve, as well as TV presenter Michaela Strachan.
The first look snaps showed the celebrities as they took to the ice in their costumes for the first time.
The cast of this year’s Dancing On Ice have been pictured in their best glitz and glamour in first look snaps ahead of its launch
The ITV skating show returns to British screens on Sunday with Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern (pictured) at the helm, and fans were treated to promo shots of the celebrities and professional partners on Tuesday
Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey looked incredible in a blue mirror chain-mail mini-dress as she posed alongside her partner Andy Buchanan, while TOWIE’s Ferne McCann stunned in a plunging halterneck dress with skater Brendyn Hatfield.
Judges Christopher Dean, Jane Torvill, Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo were also spotted looking glam as they prepare to give their verdict each week on the contestants’ skates.
TV presenter Michaela Strachan was also seen in the first look snaps, as she joined her skating partner Mark Hanretty.
Also pictured was actress Charlie Brooks, who stunned in a flared metallic bodysuit while standing in hold with skater Eric Radford.
Also taking part in the show is Traitors contestant Mollie Pearce, former EastEnders star Charlie, reality stars Dan Edgar and Chris Taylor, and Hollyoaks actor Chelsee.
Completing the line-up is presenter Michaela, comedian Josh Jones, former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand, and soap star Sam Aston.
In December, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey said she was ‘absolutely gutted’ when she announced her withdrawal from the competition after fracturing her ankle.
Soap star Ryan Thomas and his professional skating partner Amani Fancy won last year’s Dancing On Ice.
The show returns Sunday January 12 at 6.30pm, live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
DANCING ON ICE 2025: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
FERNE MCCANN
AGE: 34
PROFESSION: Reality TV star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m so excited, it’s going to be a huge challenge but I’m excited for the glitz and glamour of the show.’
SIR STEVE REDRGAVE
AGE: 62
PROFESSION: Former Olympic rower
WHAT DID THEY SAY? ‘It’s like going back to being an athlete again, I’ve been competing most of my life.’
CHARLIE BROOKS
AGE: 43
PROFESSION: Soap star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’ve skated when I was a kid and with mulled wine at Christmas. Until I get on the ice I have no idea how I’m going to be. I’m not that strong.’
ANTON FERDINAND
AGE: 39
PROFESSION: Footballer and pundit
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: Dancing On Ice will give me that focus but I’m also doing it for my daughter because she loves dance and performing arts.’
CHRIS TAYLOR
Age: 34
PROFESSION: Reality star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m somewhere between absolutely terrified and very excited and I keep flitting between the two quite aggressively throughout the day. I’ve not even started stretching yet, I need to.’
CHELSEE HEALEY
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Actress
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m ready, I’m good to go, let’s go! I’ve got a bit of rhythm but skating on ice is completely different, I’m excited.
MOLLIE PEARCE
AGE: 22
PROFESSION: Reality TV star and model
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘It will be fun, I want to challenge myself, I’m ready for the challenge.’
SAM ASTON
AGE: 31
PROFESSION: Soap star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘Anyone at work who I’ve spoken to has done it have all kind of the same thing that it is a great experience and it is really hard, and it’s tiring and tough but it is brilliant as well.’
JOSH JONES
AGE: 31
PROFESSION: Comedian
WHAT DID THEY SAY? ‘I’ve not got any skating experience whatsoever, I did it once for a date years ago and I wasn’t very good, I was holding onto the railings the entire time and we aren’t together now.’
MICHAELA STRACHAN
AGE: 58
PROFESSION: Television presenter
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘It’s going to be a big challenge, I think the last time I was on ice was 14 years ago, because I trained as a dancer, I’ve got a bit of balance, but I have no idea whether I’m going to be good.’
DAN EDGAR
AGE: 34
PROFESSION: TOWIE star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m looking forward to it but the thought of the live shows and performing is very real.’
DAME SARAH STOREY
AGE: 46
PROFESSION: Paralympian
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m excited to learn a new skill and have the opportunity to put myself out there and learn a new sport.’