Fourth Dancing On Ice pairing revealed as BBC star lands pro skater who’s made the final three times
THE fourth Dancing On Ice pairing was revealed as a BBC star teamed up with a pro skater who had made the final three times.
Michaela Strachan, 58, is swapping the great outdoors for the ice rink to take part in Dancing On Ice.
The TV presenter took to Instagram to announce her pairing for the exciting season ahead.
Michaela initially joked that she would be dancing with Sir Steve Redgrave before revealing that her partner would be pro dancer Mark Hanretty.
She shared a collection of pictures on Instagram, starting with one on the ice with Steve, accompanied by text that read: “So who did I get as my Dancing On Ice Pro? Sir Steve Redgrave?
“Noooo, Swipe right.”
The second image showed her on the ice with Mark, featuring text that read: “The utterly fabulous Mark Hanretty.”
The third image was a cheerful selfie of the pair grinning from ear to ear, with text that read: “This is going to be a ‘really wild’ adventure.”
Michaela captioned the Instagram post: “If my 1st training session with him is anything to go by, this is going to be a fun and fab journey & I am so ready for the ride. Or should that be slide!”
A supportive and excited Mark commented: “I can’t compete with legendary Steve’s resume. But I do know a thing or two about skating and can’t wait to share this super fun experience on the ice with you!
“Here’s to the best of memory making fun over the next few months!”
Mark previously reached the final of Dancing on Ice with partners including broadcaster Adele Roberts, Pussycat Dolls star Kimberly Wyatt and and Paralympian Libby Clegg.
Several fans took to the comments to share their excitement with one writing: “You hit the jackpot!!!”
Another added: “Amazing! Cant wait to see.”
And a third penned: “Congratulations and so happy for you both. You’re in very safe hands.”
Another pairing that has been announced is Chris Taylor and Vanessa Bauer.
The new series of the ITV skating show will kick off in January with a host of famous faces.
Back in October 2024, it was announced that Michaela would be taking part in Dancing On Ice 2025.
She said: “I was considered for the show 14 years ago – I’ve been considered for it twice – but this year they’ve asked me to do it, and I said yes.”
Before her many roles on national television, Michaela performed in theatre.
She launched her TV career in the 80s, and has remained in the spotlight ever since.
These days Michaela is best known for being one of the hosts of BBC shows Springwatch
and Winterwatch.
She presents the show alongside Chris Packham, her former Really Wild Show co-star.
They also hosted Autumnwatch until 2023, before the much-loved BBC show was axed.