Mark’s so glad to be back on the ice again
Skater thanks Buddies for supporting his return to TV
Ice- cool professional skater Mark Hanretty is celebrating a successful TV comeback.
Mark, from Erskine, has been gliding, twisting and turning on two thin blades every Sunday evening as part of the STV Dancing on Ice competition.
The professional skater was selected to take part in the show’s 2018 comeback after its four year hiatus.
With the final taking place this weekend, Mark told the Express he’s had a ball returning to the show.
“For any professional skater this is just the ultimate dream job,” he said.
“I get to train with amazing professionals, perform brilliant routines and skate in front of the nation every weekend.
“The show has been fantastic. It’s had such a great response.”
This year Mark was partnered with TV personality Donna Air.
Skating through each week’s elimination to reach sixth place, Mark was full of praise for Donna and how much she improved.
“Skating is really dangerous and a lot of people forget that our partners have no experience of this,” Mark added.
“Not only that, but Donna had another few jobs to complete after we started rehearsals, so it was pretty full on for her.
“We got on really well and she was a joy to teach so I had a great time.
“In this job, and as a father-of-two, I don’t really get much time to socialise.
“It was great getting to know Donna and I’ve made a pal for life.”
Mark first joined the Dancing on Ice cast in 2011 and was paired up with Nadia Sawalha and he quickly became a household name.
Mark went on to have two children with his wife Kathy.
“My wife and kids are in Nottingham so being down near London for the show has been hard,” Mark added.
“We then have the tour to look forward to as well.
“It’s great being kept busy for the foreseeable, but I’m looking forward to being closer to my family.”
Back in Paisley, the ice dancer said he is grateful for the support back home.
“The brilliant thing about social media is that people from Paisley can get in touch with me straight after the show has ended,” he said.
“It’s been lovely hearing the reaction from family and friends.”
As for this weekend, actor Brooke Vincent, singer Jake Quickenden and rugby union player Max Evans are all in the running to take the 2018 crown.
“Jake has performed so well each week and has been top of the leaderboard so I can see why he may be the favourite,” Mark said.
“But, between late injuries, nerves and performance on the night, anything can happen.
“I’ll be performing with Donna again so it will be a great night.”
You can catch the Dancing on Ice final at 6pm on Sunday, March 11, on STV.