Kirkby skater Mark Hanretty excited to return for this year's Dancing On Ice alongside Hollyoaks star
Talented Kirkby skater and coach Mark Hanretty is delighted to be back for another series of ITV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’.
Mark, aged 37, has become a regular as one of the professional skaters on the show, which will open for its 15th series on Sunday, January 15.
It will be his tenth appearance on the prime-time programme, this time partnered with actress Carley Stenson, best known for her 11-year stint as Steph Cunningham in Hollyoaks.
Mark said: “I’m so happy to be back in my tenth season of the show and I’m so enjoying working with Carley, who’s an absolute delight to work with.
“I’ve got everything crossed that this will be my most successful season yet.”
Glasgow-born Mark lives in the Kirkby area with his wife Kathy, a fellow skating coach, and their two young children, Lukasz and Liola.
The proud dad has yet to lift the Dancing On Ice title but, in 2020, he made history by partnering the show’s first blind contestant, Scottish Paralympics sprinter Libby Clegg, helping her reach the final.
Mark said it is “an honour and privilege” to be asked back each year.
“Professional skaters from all over the world apply for this job,” he said.
His first partner, back in 2011, was EastEnders star Nadia Sawalha, while others have included slimming guru Rosemary Conley, ex-Labour MP Oona King, TV presenter Donna Air and Saira Khan, a former panellist on TV show Loose Women.
Mark said the celebrity contestants begin their challenge by spending 30 hours with an skating coach, before teaming up with their pro partner for about two months of training before the show airs.
Mark began figure skating aged 10. After years as a single skater, he switched to ice dancing and teamed up with American Christina Chitwood.
They represented Team GB at world and European championships, and were bronze medallists at the British Championships in 2008 and 2010.
In recent years, he has conducted coaching sessions at both the Lammas Leisure Centre’s rink in Sutton and Nottingham’s National Ice Centre.
Carley completed several spins on the ice in a clip posted on social media, telling fans: “Finally think I’m getting the hang of this. Can’t wait now!”
Catch the pair in action as Dancing on Ice returns to ITV on Sunday, January 15, at 6.30pm.