Dancing On Ice star hails ‘end of an era’ as he quits after 14 years

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock (15176952me) Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty during the Bolero performance 'Dancing on Ice' TV Show, Series 17, Episode 9, Hertfordshire, UK - 09 Mar 2025
Dancing On Ice star Mark Hanretty has marked the end of his time on the ITV show (Picture: Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock)

Dancing On Ice star Mark Hanretty has marked the ‘end of an era’ after quitting the show.

The professional skater, who made it all the way to the final this year alongside Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan, has officially hung up his skates after 14 years.

The Scottish champion has served on the ITV series since 2011, and has partnered with the likes of Nadia Sawalha, Adele Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt during that time.

However, he’s now confirmed his time on the show has come to an end.

The 39-year-old told fans on Instagram: ‘End of an era! 🥹🥰’

Alongside a series of pictures and videos from his time on the show, he continued: ‘I wish I could thank each and every one of the amazing production who have made my time on Dancing on Ice so memorable.

‘I could post about you every day for weeks and still have more to say!

Mark Hanretty during the press launch for the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice, at Bovingdon Studios in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Picture date: Wednesday January 10, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Ice. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire
Mark has been a part of the skating competition since 2011 (Picture: PA)

‘However, I hope you all know I was thinking of you when I hurriedly said this on air! 🫶🏻.’

He then shared his reaction to making it through the competition with Michaela, writing: ‘Finally you get to skate a Bolero’.

In another video, Mark shared a video with his young daughter on her birthday, in which he sweetly told her: ‘I love you, I’m so glad you’re here.’

‘Celebrating the end of my DOI pro skating career with our precious baby girl on her birthday,’ he wrote in the caption.

The final picture in his post revealed a topless mirror selfie, with Mark writing: ‘Waking up the next morning and wondering if I’ll ever feel this lean again 😬🫣🙏🏻.’

His post was showered in support, with Michaela, 58, commenting: ‘We may not have won the trophy, but I won the best prize, being partnered with the nicest and kindest man on ice. Couldn’t have wished for anything better than experiencing this crazy journey with you.’

Mark’s former skating partner Billie Shepherd added: ‘Congratulations to you for all of your amazing DOI achievements 🫶🏼 you have been incredible ✨❤️.’

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock (15176952sm) Runners up Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty with Holly Willoughby 'Dancing on Ice' TV Show, Series 17, Episode 9, Hertfordshire, UK - 09 Mar 2025
Mark and celebrity partner Michaela Strachan made it to the final, finishing in second place (Picture: Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock)

One fan, @thatweirdkidrq, also said: ‘I’ve watched Dancing’s on Ice every year since 2009 and you have always been my favourite professional (well you and dan whiston😂). I don’t think DOI will feel the same next year.’

Another, @kellyannem83, added: ‘Congratulations on your DOI achievements over the years. You will be missed. All the very best going forward with your beautiful family ❤️ P.S pic 6 😍 You really do stay humble with a lean body like that kept hidden all these years haha.’

Mark, who has represented the United Kingdom in ice skating previously and competed in various European and World championships, has made it to the final of Dancing On Ice three times before, with Kimberly, Adele and Libby Clegg, though he’s never won the competition.

Undated ITV handout photo of contestant Nadia Sawalha with Dancing partner Mark Hanretty, who will appear on the next series of Dancing on Ice. The new series begins on Sunday January 9th 2011, at 6:30pm. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday December 31, 2010. Photo credit should read: Nicky Johnston/ITV/PA Wire This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with Dancing On Ice, or ITV. Once made available by ITV Plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the TX date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Plc Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itvpictures.com
Mark was first partnered with Nadia Sawalha in 2011 (Picture: PA)

He announced his exit from the programme late last year, alongside Brendyn Hatfield.

Mark held the title of the longest-serving professional returning to the rink for the latest season, and said at the time of announcing his departure: ‘Hard to believe I’m embarking on my 12th series of Dancing on Ice.

‘I’m as excited as ever and so grateful for the chance to work on the greatest show on ice once again.

‘This will be my last year as a pro skater and I’m eager to soak up every second of it!

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock (15166277fa) Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty 'Dancing on Ice' TV Show, Series 17, Episode 8, Hertfordshire, UK - 02 Mar 2025
Mark announced his exit ahead of this series (Picture: Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock)

‘Good luck to all the team and here’s to a fantastic series!’

The line-up for this year’s competition included Towie star Dan Edgar, Love Island star Chris Taylor, Towie legend Ferne McCannThe Traitors star Mollie Pearce and Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave.

Hollyoaks’ Chelsee Healey, Coronation Street star Sam Aston, EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks, footballer and pundit Anton Ferdinand and comedian Josh Jones also took to the ice.

Sam, 31, was crowned champion in the grand final earlier this month, with Michaela placing runner-up.

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock (15176952lu) Winners of Dancing On Ice 2025 Sam Aston and Molly Beth Lanaghan with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean 'Dancing on Ice' TV Show, Series 17, Episode 9, Hertfordshire, UK - 09 Mar 2025
Corrie actor Sam Aston was crowned winner (Picture: Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock)

She later said: ‘It’s been an amazing journey and I feel that I’m a winner to get this far with Mark. I’ve done it for the older women!’

The final also saw judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean take to the ice rink for ‘their last ever TV performance’.

In February 2024, on the 40th anniversary of their Olympic gold success, the duo announced they would retire from skating as a pair in 2025.

Dancing On Ice is now facing rumours it could be axed after low viewing figures.

Dancing On Ice is available to watch on ITVX.

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