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.