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!
‘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 ✨❤️.’
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.
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!
‘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 McCann, The 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.
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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