Kirkby skating sensation set to wow Dancing on Ice judges

Philip Schofield presents the hit ITV reality show, which sees celebrities learning to skate under the watchful eye of Olympic champions Jayne Torvil and Christopher Dean.

This year, Kirkby’s very own professional ice skater will dazzle as he resumes his role performing in the show.Mark Hanretty, has been skating in the celebrity talent show since 2011, which will premier on Sunday, January 6.

The 32-year-old, originally from Scotland, lives with his wife Kathy and his five-year-old son Lukasz and one-year-old daughter Liola, in Kirkby

Mark said he is looking forward to the competition, which returned last year after a four-year absence.

Mark said: "The celebrities have been training since the start of November, and it's tricky because training has to fit around their schedules.

"It's also physically exhausting being on the ice, you can't over train as there is a risk of injury.

"When the show was off air, it made us appreciate it more when it returned.

Mark said: "The only downside to the show is being away from home, I really like Kirkby for bringing my children up in, and I was welcomed into the area when I moved here."

Mark believes this year will be better than ever, with the celeb line up set to dazzle.

The line up includes:

Wes Nelson, former Love Island star

Saara Aalto, former X factor star

Didi Conn, actress most famous for her role as Frenchie in Grease

Jane Danson, actress who plays Leanne Battersby on Coronation Street

Mark Little, Australian actor, best known for his role in Neighbours.

Melody Thornton, one of the Pussycat Dolls.

Saira Khan, Loose Women panellist

James Jordan, former Strictly Come Dancing star.

Brian McFadden, former member of boyband Westlife.

Richard Blackwood, rapper and actor

Gemma Collins, The Only Way Is Essex star.

And Mark is not the only star in the show with a link to Nottinghamshire.

Former Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club bowler Ryan Sidebottom is one of the contestants.

He told Talksport Radio: "I'm immensely excited. It's obviously something totally different, massively out of my comfort zone.

"I'm just going to enjoy the ride, I don't take myself too seriously.

"I'm going to embrace it, enjoy it, and have a laugh and a giggle along the way."

Mark will be skating with Loose Women panellist Saira Khan.

He said that although she does not have a background in dancing or skating, she has a great work ethic, and Mark believes she will go far.

He added: "The standard this year is really high, we have a group of celebrities that are young, fit and look good on the ice.

"Skating is really a unique way of moving, it really puts the body to the test and injuries are rife."