Olympian replaces Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb on Dancing On Ice after he had to pull out due to injury
Olympic ski jumper Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards has replaced Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb Dancing On Ice.
The athlete, 59, will take to the ice alongside his fellow celebrities as training for the 2024 series has now begun.
Eddie joins the cast after Stephen unfortunately had to withdraw from the show due to an injury he suffered during training.
Eddie said: “It’s bittersweet because while I’m thrilled to be taking part in the new series, I’m gutted for Stephen and wish him a speedy recovery.
‘Dancing on Ice is a show I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a challenge I think I’ll enjoy!’
Line-up: Olympic ski jumper Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards has replaced Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb Dancing On Ice
Busy: The athlete, 59, takes to the ice alongside his fellow celebrities as training for the 2024 series has now begun
Eddie will join the class of 2024, which includes world champion boxer Ricky Hatton MBE, actress Claire Sweeney, actress and singer Hannah Spearritt, West End star Amber Davies and Olympic champion and presenter Greg Rutherford MBE.
TV personality Miles Nazaire, comedian and writer Lou Sanders, actor Ricky Norwood, broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts, actor Ryan Thomas and Emmerdale Roxy Shahidi complete the line-up.
It comes just after Stephen broke his silence on Wednesday after being forced to leave the show due to a broken ankle.
The star, 52, left the Channel 4 show after ten years with ambitions to pursue further TV opportunities, and was soon signed up for the ITV dance series.
MailOnline exclusively revealed on Saturday that the star had suffered a freak accident during training last week, before being told by medics that he had broken his left ankle and would be on crutches for the next three months.
Sharing an update on Instagram on Wednesday, Stephen revealed he had to undergo surgery and was ‘gutted’ to be out of the competition.
Smiling for a photo next to his dogs, the TV personality could be seen with his foot in a cast and leaning on a pillow.
He captioned the post: “Thank you for all your kind words and messages. Last Wednesday during my training for Dancing on Ice I fell and broke my left ankle.
Difficult: Eddie joins the cast after Stephen (pictured) unfortunately had to withdraw from the show due to an injury he suffered during training
Mixed emotions: Eddie said: ‘It’s bittersweet because while I’m thrilled to be taking part in the new series, I’m devastated for Stephen and wish him a speedy recovery’
‘I have had surgery and will be on crutches for a few months, which means I have had to leave the competition, which I am absolutely devastated about.
‘I had so much fun and enjoyed learning to skate. I will of course be keeping a close eye on all the other celebrities and professionals and supporting them all the way.
‘Unfortunately I also have to withdraw from the London Marathon. I’m doing my best to keep my spirits up and hopefully I’ll be back on my feet soon.”