Strictly: Greg Rutherford opens up on intense training
As the new series of Dancing on Ice gears up to return to our screens, contestant Greg Rutherford has opened up about his previous skating experience. The 37-year-old said he would skate as a child occasionally and because of that he wasn’t a complete rookie on the ice, but still had plenty to learn from his skating partner Vanessa James.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the dad-of-three explained: “I used to skate a little bit as a child 30 years ago, so when we started I could stand on the ice and go around a little bit. I couldn’t stop or anything so I had to learn all of those things. I’ve never been backwards before in my life, now I can go backwards.”
The Olympics star went on to reveal that he is trying to enjoy the opportunity as much as possible and is embracing everything that comes with the ITV show.
He continued: “I’m by no means an amazing ice skater yet, but I’m sort of figuring it out, and it’s about embracing this, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I get to skate with one of the top Olympic ice skaters on a TV show and try to perform some things, it’s just gonna be as much as possible.”
A whole host of celebrities are set to join Greg on the ice, including former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas, singer Hannah Spearritt and actress Claire Sweeney.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly star details ‘disadvantage’ that got him into ‘trouble’ on show
ITV are yet to reveal a start date but the show is expected to air in January, according to previous series.
The Olympian has partnered with Dogs for Good charity and More Than for a new campaign which aims to show people how people can benefit from the companionship and confidence dogs can bring during the festive period.
Speaking about the campaign, Greg told Express.co.uk: “The research has shown that dogs are the massive unsung hero, especially over the festive period.
“Our dogs are just family pets but I see every single day, the importance they have on all of my children, especially for my child that’s on the autistic spectrum as well.”
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Greg Rutherford has partnered with MORE THAN insurance and UK charity Dogs for Good to showcase how dogs can support families during the festive period, particularly those with autistic children. To find out more and donate to Dogs for Good’s Winter Appeal visit here.
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