Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya is stepping up to replace Michael Barrymore on Dancing On Ice after injury forced the entertainer to quit.
Michael announced on Wednesday he was stepping down from the show just weeks before its launch next month – saying he was ‘devastated’ to be leaving the competition.
Radzi now has just a fortnight to get his skates on ahead of the opening show of the series on Sunday 5 January – but how is he best known away from the rink?
Here’s what you need to know about the Dancing On Ice newcomer.
Who is Dancing On Ice’s newest contestant Radzi Chinyanganya?
Radzi, 32, is from Wolverhampton and is best known for his work on children’s TV – notably as a Blue Peter presenter – and as a sports reporter.
He was originally chosen as the weightlifting presenter at the London 2012 Olympics, hosting the tournament and interviewing the athletes on stage, before being invited back to present the 2012 Paralympics.
Radzi went on to co-host CBBC’s Wild in 2013 and joined Blue Peter the same year, replacing Helen Skelton and becoming the 37th host of the BBC favourite – and remained a part of the show until April 2019.
His other TV work includes CBBC show Match Of The Day Kickabout and ITV game show Cannonball alongside Freddie Flintoff, Frankie Bridge, Ryan Hand and Maya Jama – as well as presenting NBA coverage for Sky Sports.
He was also part of the presenting team for the BBC’s coverage of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, as well as co-hosting their coverage of the Lord Mayor’s Show last month.
‘I am thrilled and privileged to be part of the ‘Dancing On Ice 2020′ cast,’ Radzi said of joining the show.
‘I am absolutely gutted for Michael, who is one of my all-time favourite TV presenters, and I wish him a speedy recovery. I’ve only got two weeks to get ready to ice skate in front of the nation so I’m looking forward to a Christmas and New Year filled with training on the ice!’
Who will Radzi partner on the show?
Radzi will partner skater Jessica Hatfield, who is making her debut on the show this year along with skating husband Brendyn Hatfield.
Michael had been due to partner Alex Murphy – who will remain on the show as a professional skater.
Why has Michael Barrymore quit Dancing On Ice?
Michael dropped out of the competition after sustaining a broken wrist while rehearsing for the series.
After the fall, I thought I had sprained my wrist but it turns out that it is broken,’ he said in a statement.
‘Unfortunately, the medics have told me that I cannot compete. I am absolutely devastated; I have loved every second of the journey so far with my wonderful dance partner Alex Murphy and the support from the public has been overwhelming.
‘I have been fortunate enough to work with such a great bunch of people over the previous few months; trainers, celebrities, pro skaters, the judges, Holly and Phil and the incredible production team at ITV who really are exceptional and help to make it the fantastic show that it is.
He added: ‘I shall be in the studio for the first show on Sunday 5th January and hope to make other appearances throughout. I would like to wish the whole of “Dancing On Ice” 2020 the best of luck.’
Dancing On Ice kicks off on ITV on Sunday 5 January, with the launch show on Sunday 22 December at 7pm.
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