4 new professionals join Dancing On Ice as Matt Evers quits

Matt has been on the show since the first series!

Author: Alex RossPublished 23rd Oct 2023

As the nights grow colder and the days get shorter, it can only mean one thing - it's time to start gearing up for the next series of Dancing On Ice! Amping up the excitement, show bosses have now confirmed the line-up of professional skaters that will be paired up with this year's celebs - including four brand new faces!

Joining the professional skaters 2024 line-up is two time British national champion Amani Fancy, six time French national champion Vanessa James, former German and Czech national champion Annette Dytrt, and former American national champion and Winter Olympian Simon Senecal.

Returning to the show for another year are Vanessa Bauer, Colin Grafton, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Sylvain Longchambon and Tippy Packard, with Andy Buchanan and Robin Johnstone returning after one year off.

One person who won't be appearing on the 2024 series is Matt Evers, as the professional skater has announced he is leaving the show after 15 amazing series! Matt has appeared on every series since the show started back in 2006.

As well as Matt, Alexandra Schauman and Łukasz Różycki are also taking a break from the forthcoming series.

The announcement of next year's professionals comes just weeks after the 2024 celebs were unveiled.

Check out the 2024 Dancing On Ice line-up below:

Ryan Thomas - WINNER

Best known for: Coronation Street actor and TV personality

Miles Nazaire - SECOND PLACE

Best known for: Made In Chelsea star


Miles said ahead of the show: "I've always loved to dance but it's usually on a dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice looks so difficult. I keep thinking about how I'm going to need to have rhythm while balancing on a thin blade and that's when I feel the nerves kick in, but this is such an unbelievable opportunity to get totally out of my comfort zone."

Adele Roberts - THIRD PLACE

Best known for: Radio DJ


Adele said ahead of the show: "It's 'bricking it on ice' for me! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there as I usually hide away. I did radio as it's not visual. That's going to be a big challenge. After cancer I have my life back; I actually can't wait for the glam!"

Greg Rutherford MBE - FORCED TO WITHDRAW

Best known for: Olympic long jumper


Greg said ahead of the show: "My kids love dancing around so hopefully they are going to enjoy watching me dance with blades on my feet! I think this is going to be a really different experience but one that will be quite exciting."

Amber Davies - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Love Island winner and West End star


Amber said ahead of the show: "I would definitely say that I'm an adrenaline junkie but I do get more nervous as I get older and I hope that I can contain them, I don't want the adrenalin to get the better of me. I can count on one hand how many times I've ice skated."

Eddie the Eagle - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Former Olympic Ski Jumper


Eddie said ahead of the show: "It's bittersweet as whilst I'm delighted 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'm going to relish!"

Ricky Norwood - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Actor


Ricky said ahead of the show: "Being on the ice! I'm apprehensive about the lifts, especially the headbanger. I've got to trust in the process, trust in the training, trust in the trainers."

Roxy Shahidi - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Emmerdale actress

Lou Sanders - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Comedian and Writer


Lou said ahead of the show: "I'm nervous about cracking my head open, or just bashing the old head. I can't afford to lose any more brain cells. I'm also worried about my partner picking me up, he's going to have to be very strong and very brave."

Claire Sweeney - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Coronation Street actress and TV host


Claire said ahead of the show: "I'm really looking forward to going to an ice rink with my son and actually being able to skate and not have to use the penguins they give you to help you stay upright! I've had to wear my boots around the house... I haven't stepped on the ice yet."

Hannah Spearritt - ELIMINATED

Known for: S Club singer and actress


Hannah said ahead of the show: "I'm really excited about learning a new skill. It's so easy to live your comfortable life and that aspect of mixing things up is very appealing. Fitness is another reason why I'm doing it! It's really exciting."

Ricky Hatton MBE - ELIMINATED

Best known for: Former World Champion Boxer


Ricky said ahead of the show: "If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink. I like setting new challenges and keeping myself busy!"

Stephen Lustig-Webb - FORCED TO WITHDRAW

Best known for: Gogglebox star


Stephen said ahead of the show: "The last time I was on the ice I think I was 14 (years old) so almost 40 years ago. I have been back on the ice since just for a quick spin around, I didn't fall over so that was a good thing! I've got a new appreciation for skating. I can see how truly difficult it is. From the comfort of my sofa I was probably a little too judgey, I didn't realise how hard it is!"

One celeb who won't be taking part is former Gogglbox star Stephen Lustig-Webb, after the 52-year-old was forced to quit after breaking his left ankle during training.

A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice said: "Stephen Lustig-Webb has had to withdraw from the show due an injury he sustained to his ankle during training. He is still very much a part of the Dancing On Ice family, we will be helping to support Stephen and we wish him well with his recovery."

Dancing On Ice will return in January 2024.

Now read:

Everything you need to know about Dancing On Ice 2024

All of the Dancing On Ice winners to date

Dancing On Ice stars who found love on the ice rink

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