The stars came out for the premiere of ITV’s Dancing on Ice as its famous cast made their rink debuts – however, there was one celebrity cameo that took viewers by surprise.
Co-hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern treated contestant Ricky Hatton to a message of support from boxing champion Tyson Fury, who appeared via video message to wish him luck.
Retired boxer Ricky is a long-time friend of Tyson and has previously trained Love Island star Tommy Fury, being in Tyson’s corner for his fight against Deontay Wilder in 2018.
Ahead of Ricky’s first skate to Bill Conti’s Gonna Fly Now with professional partner Robin Johnstone, Holly told Ricky: “There’s somebody who wanted to wish you luck from his training camp. It’s only world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury!”
Tyson Fury surprised Ricky Hatton on Dancing on Ice (Image: ITV)
A topless Tyson then appeared in a video message, telling viewers: “Hi Rick, Tyson Fury here. Taking his time out to wish you massive, massive good luck for Dancing on Ice.
“All the best guys, good luck, do the best – knock them out Rick!”
Ricky was one of six celebrities performing on Dancing on Ice tonight, with the remaining six – including radio presenter Adele Roberts, Corrie’s Claire Sweeney, Eddie the Eagle, comedian Lou Sanders, Made in Chelsea’s Miles Nazaire and EastEnders’ Ricky Norwood – skating next week.
Despite wowing the audience with his Rocky related routine, Ricky found himself at the bottom of the leader board with a score of 12.5 – and after the public vote, it was announced that he would be skating for his place in the competition in next week’s show.
Ricky Hatton and Tyson Fury posing together in 2017
Ricky was one of the most talked about contestants in tonight’s show after punching Stephen Mulhern during a jokey segment.
In the clip, host Stephen Mulhern kept forcing Ricky to be his “human mic stand” while Holly Willoughby led the show into another ad break.
When Ricky began to act annoyed by Stephen’s actions, Holly turned to him and said, ‘Just hit him please!’ Ricky quickly punched Stephen in the arm, sending the presenter comically flying to the floor.
The jokey moment left Holly and the audience in shock, while after the break, Stephen told Holly, “You wouldn’t want to be punched by Ricky in the face!”
Ricky Hatton and Robin Johnstone performing on Dancing on Ice (Image: Kieron McCarron/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)