Dancing on Ice reveals third celebrity contestant - and she's a famous popstar

Dancing on Ice has announced popstar Hannah Spearritt as the third celebrity contestant taking to the ice for the 2024 series.

The news was revealed on Thursday's episode of Good Morning Britain, with Hannah appearing in a pre-recorded video. 

She told viewers: "Hello Good Morning Britain, I've got a little secret to tell you. 

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"I'm going to be on Dancing on Ice 2024. I'm so excited and I'll be keeping you up to date with my training. We're going to have some fun!"

Hannah rose to fame as an original member of the pop group S Club 7, which was formed in the late 1990s and went on to sell over ten million albums worldwide. 

The 42-year-old is also known for her acting career, having appeared in the soap operas, Casualty and EastEnders. She also played the lead role of Abby Maitland in the ITV series Primeval.

Hannah's decision to join Dancing on Ice comes after she pulled out of S Club 7's arena tour following the tragic death of her former boyfriend and bandmate Paul Cattermole in April. 

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Her fellow bandmates, Rachel Stevens, Jo O’Meara, Bradley McIntosh, Jon Lee and Tina Barrett, appeared in a video in May without Hannah and addressed the news. 

Jon said: "You've probably noticed that there's only five of us here today, and although Hannah will always be part of S Club 7, she won't be joining us on this tour. We wish her all the best for the future."

MORE: What happened between S Club 7 stars Paul Cattermole and Hannah Spearritt?

Hannah joins Ricky Hatton MBE and Claire Sweeney in this year's line-up. 

On why he signed up for the show, World Champion boxer Ricky told host Holly Willoughby on This Morning: "To set a new challenge [for myself]," he began. "It's been well-documented that I struggled with my retirement from boxing and I'm doing my little bit for mental health and trying to give a bit back now. And what I bang the drum about is, 'try to keep yourself busy'. When I was retired I sat there with nothing to do and my world fell apart."

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He added: "If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink."

Meanwhile, actress Claire said: "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!" 

MORE: Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield 'Channel 4 TV drama' sparks reaction from fans

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She added: "I've had to wear my boots around the house... I haven't stepped on the ice yet."