Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave is set to join the cast of Dancing on Ice and has opened up about his health issues that could complicate his time on the rink. "I've been diabetic for almost thirty years so the sensation in my feet isn't as good as what it used to be so navigating my footing on the ice could be a problem," he shared.
Not only does his diabetes present challenges, but Steve also has Dupuytren's contracture affecting his hands, which could make potential falls on the ice more hazardous. "I also have Dupuytren's contracture which affects my hands meaning I can't make them flat.
So if I do fall over, although I'm planning not to, it means I may have trouble getting up." The timing couldn’t be better for Steve, who's joining the show as he celebrates a special milestone that aligns with Dancing on Ice judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean's 40th anniversary of their Sarajevo win.
He explains, "Chris and Jayne celebrated their 40th anniversary of them winning in Sarajevo and it's my 40th anniversary as well," After recording a segment in honour of the figure skating duo’s contribution to British sport, Steve was persuaded to take part himself. "The show asked me to record a segment for Chris and Jayne and what they mean to British sport both then and now and at the end of it I said 'I suppose you're going to try and get me on the show now' and here I am." Steve might be renowned for securing five Olympic gold medals in rowing, but he's not a stranger to the ice.