Ryan Thomas turned heads on Monday when he was spotted for the first time at a Dancing On Ice rehearsal in Essex.
The former Coronation Street star, 39, wrapped up warmly in a white hooded jumper and red hat as he practiced balancing on one leg with his instructor.
He then practiced a spin, looking hard at his coach as he continued his private practice on the rink.
Ryan was the latest celebrity to be confirmed to take part in the skating dance competition, following Emmerdale star Roxy Shahidi.
The news was announced on the official Dancing on Ice Instagram page with the caption: “Bringing polished style to his skates, welcome Ryan Thomas to the ice! ⭐ #DancingOnIce’.
Working out: Ryan Thomas, 39, cut a fit figure on Monday as he was spotted rehearsing for Essex Ice Dancing for the first time
Watchful eye: The former Coronation Street star, 39, wrapped up warmly in a white hooded jumper and red hat as he practiced balancing on one leg with his instructor
Cool moves: Ryan then practiced his spin as he continued his private practice on the rink
Ryan appeared on Steph’s Packed Lunch on Friday to discuss his feelings about joining the show.
He said: “When you actually have the opportunity to go and work with new people, outside of your comfort zone, learn something new, it’s exciting, especially when you have kids and a family at home. It’s nice to do those things, it’s huge.
‘It’s a nerve-racking experience and we’re very supportive of everyone who works on the show, we want everyone to do well, that’s the right thing to say, isn’t it?’
Ryan’s brother, Adam Thomas, is currently taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, and admitted he was struggling to fit rehearsals in with his acting schedule.
This unfortunately affected his performance as at the end of the third week he and Luba Mushtuk dropped two places in the table.
Ryan said: “I feel like I’m doing that show with him because I’m going through the same emotions that he’s going through.
In response to Ryan joining the Dancing on Ice crew, Adam said: ‘I can give you some dancing bro lessons if you need it…’
To which Ryan replied: ‘I’m going to need all the help I can get!’
Overdue: Ryan was the last celebrity to be confirmed to take part in the figure skating dance competition
Ryan rose to fame as Jason Grimshaw in Coronation Street and has a child with on-screen partner Tina O’Brien, who played Sarah Platt.
He has two children with current fiancee Lucy Mecklenburgh, a former TOVIE star, with whom he has been dating since 2017.
Both Ryan’s brothers are acting: Adam Thomas who starred in Waterloo Road and Emmerdale and Scott Thomas in Love Island.
Ryan announced his retirement from acting in 2021.
ICE DANCING: MEET THE 2024 COMPETITORS
RICKY HATTON
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: Former professional boxer
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring, I can hold my nerve in the ice rink’
HANNAH SPEARRITT
AGE: 42
PROFESSION: SINGER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I’m really excited to learn a new skill. It’s so easy to live your comfortable life and that aspect of mixing things up is very appealing’
GREG RUTHERFORD
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: An athlete
WHAT DID HE SAY? “I love a challenge and I needed a reason to get out and do things again and here we are. I want to perform something that has never been done before, that’s my goal.’
STEPHEN LUSTIG-WEBB
AGE: 52
PROFESSION: The star of the glasses case
WHAT DID HE SAY? “I gained a new appreciation for skating. I can see how difficult it really is. From the comfort of my sofa I was probably a bit too judgemental, I didn’t realize how hard it was!’
RICKY NORWOOD
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: EastEnders star
WHAT DID HE SAY? “It came at such a great time in my life.” I can’t skate at all! No rehearsals yet, just had physio to strengthen my body.’
RYAN THOMAS
AGE: 39
PROFESSION: Corrie star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘Everyone keeps asking me, “do you do that?” I told everyone!’
CLAIRE SWEENEY
AGE: 52
PROFESSION: ACTRESS
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “Here I step into the unknown.” I don’t know how I will feel. But I’m very excited.’
AMBER DAVIES
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: WEST END STAR
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I’d definitely say I’m an adrenaline junkie, but I’m getting more nervous as I get older and hopefully I can curb them”
MILES NAZAIRE
AGE: 27
PROFESSION: REALITY STAR
WHAT DID HE SAY? “I’ve always loved dancing but it’s usually on the dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice seems so difficult.”
LOU SANDERS
AGE: 37
PROFESSION: COMIC
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I’m nervous about cracking my head or just banging my old head.” I can’t afford to lose any more brain cells.’
ADELE ROBERTS
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: RADIO PRESENTER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘That’s ‘stacking on ice’ for me! I think the hardest thing is to put myself out there, because I usually hide.
ROXY SHAHIDI
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: Emmerdale star
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I can’t ice skate.” I haven’t said anything to anyone, but mostly because I’m so nervous about it!’
