Ricky Hatton has admitted there is one thing he’s “refusing” to do during his stint on Dancing on Ice ahead of this week’s first skate-off of the series.
The 45-year-old has landed in the bottom two following his debut skate after propping up the week one leaderboard with 12.5 points out of a possible 40.
His opponent in Sunday’s skate-off remains to be seen as six Dancing on Ice stars are still yet to take to the ice.
Sunday’s premiere was packed full of talking points involving Hatton, from his lowly score to “punching” new host Stephen Mulhern – much to the surprise of the returning Holly Willoughby.
And while there’s no knowing what the future may hold beyond Sunday’s skate-off, Hatton has ruled out one possibility ITV viewers may expect – and it’s to do with his beloved Man City.
He explained all to ITV prior to this year’s series as he replied when asked if he was going to embrace the lycra and sequins: “That’s the last of my worries at the minute to be honest with you!
Ricky Hatton and Robin Johnstone perform during week one of Dancing on Ice 2024
ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK
“But if you have seen me box, the shorts had sequins and frills on. My shorts were down past my knees, I had baggy shorts on and stuff like that.
“I always used to come out wearing something wild, so I’m not bothered about what they want me to wear.”
However, delving into one key requirement, he added: “As long as it’s not red – I’m a Manchester City fan, so I refuse to wear any red!
“There’s lots of things to look forward to – what the clothes are going to look like, what song I’m going to be dancing to.
“It’s exciting because depending on how good Robin feels my ability on the ice is, will depend on how fast the song is, I’m guessing.”
Fans may not get the chance to see the sequined gear Hatton could be decked in should he lose the skate-off on Sunday.
He’ll face one of Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, Lou Sander, Miles Nazaire, Adele Roberts – who’s been backed to win by a former DOI champ, Claire Sweeney or Ricky Norwood after they all perform on Sunday.
Whoever he faces, bookmakers are predicting he’ll be the unlucky celebrity sent home, judging by new odds.
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James Leyfield, betting expert at Gambling.com, told GB News ahead of this week’s skate-off that the stage is set for Sweeney to meet him in the bottom two.
He explained: “Claire is a massive 25/1 outsider to top score on Sunday night, and if the odds on specials betting sites play out then it could result in a skate-off between the Coronation Street star and Ricky H.
“Following his week one performance, when he scored 12.5 points, Ricky Hatton is out to 100/1 with BetVictor to win the series.
“Claire is just below him in the market at 50/1, from 33/1, without even skating. But she will make her debut this Sunday, and she is in danger of going home.
“Ricky H is the 4/9 favourite with to be the first celebrity eliminated from this year’s Dancing on Ice, followed by 4/1 chance Claire, while Adele is 7/1, but Miles and Lou, who are both 40/1, should be safe.”
