A MUCH-LOVED Stroud legend will compete on ITV'S Dancing on Ice which returns this weekend.
Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, who lives in Woodchester, near Stroud, has posed alongside his new Dancing On Ice skating partner Vicky Ogden ahead of the ITV series launching this weekend.
The ski jumper and former Olympian was original paired with Tippy Packard before the American professional skater had to pull out due to sustaining a knee injury.
Edwards, 60, whose real name is Michael David Edwards, paired a grey velvet suit jacket with a black turtleneck and dark patterned trousers for the press launch while Ogden wore a lilac bodysuit with a silver mesh skirt.
Packard has previously confirmed she would be paired with Edwards in a post shared to Instagram in November.
However, on Tuesday Ogden announced on social media she was “absolutely thrilled” to be skating with Edwards this series.
She added: “Eddie “The Eagle” is a true legend who has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. This year we’re determined to show just how iconic he is.
“Together, let’s recreate the magic and cheer Eddie on like we did all those years ago.”
Edwards joined the competition’s line-up in October after former Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb withdrew because of injury.
In 2016 Edwards attended the European premiere of the film he inspired alongside movie star Hugh Jackman.
He was played by Taron Egerton, while X-Men and Les Misérables Hugh Jackman stars as his reluctant, heavy-drinking fictional coach Bronson Peary
Also among the 2024 line-up for Dancing on Ice are West End star Amber Davies and her skating partner Simon Senecal, Olympian Greg Rutherford and his partner Vanessa James and former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas, who is paired with professional Amani Fancy, and EastEnders star Ricky Norwood who will dance with skating pro Annette Dytrt.
Holly Willoughby, who has been off screens since she left This Morning In October, will return to co-present the show with Stephen Mulhern following the departure of Phillip Schofield from ITV.
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse will also return as judges.
Dancing On Ice returns on Sunday at 6.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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