Dancing On Ice oldest 2025 contestant Sir Steve Redgrave, 62, reveals secret health battles that could hurt his chances

Collage of a man on a talk show, an Olympic rower holding a gold medal, and a man and woman ice skating.

WITH two health issues that could impact his skating stint, Sir Steve Redgrave has gotten candid about his health ahead of his Dancing on Ice appearance.

The retired rower, 62, will take to the ice next weekend for the all-new series of Dancing on Ice.

Sir Steve Redgrave ice skating on Dancing on Ice.
Sir Steve Redgrave will be competing in this year’s series of Dancing on Ice
Steve Redgrave holding up his gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Sir Steve is a former rower
Sir Steve Redgrave on a TV show.
The former Olympian has spoken out about his health struggles
Vicky Ogden and Sir Steve Redgrave ice skating on Dancing on Ice.
Steve will be paired with Vicky Odgen for this year’s series

The show’s 2025 cast line-up is now confirmed, and Sir Steve has now spoken out about his worries and woes ahead of his first live show.

Speaking out ahead of his Dancing on Ice stint next weekend, Steve shared his health battles.

“I’ve been diabetic for almost thirty years so the sensation in my feet isn’t as good as what it used to be so navigating my footing on the ice could be a problem,” he candidly revealed.

“I also have Dupuytren’s contracture which affects my hands meaning I can’t make them flat,” he went on to share.

“So if I do fall over, although I’m planning not to it means I may have trouble getting up.”

Sir Steve was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1997 at the age of 35 after he became aware that he was prone to developing type 1 diabetes.

He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after taking tablets to treat colitis following the 1992 Olympics. 

“Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high,” according to the NHS.

The condition “increases your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, feet, heart, and nerves,” hence Steve talking out about the feeling in his feet.

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HEALTH WOES REVEALED AHEAD OF ICE STINT

Meanwhile, Dupuytren’s contracture is described as “when 1 or more fingers bend in towards your palm”.

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According to the NHS, there’s no cure, but your fingers can be straightened with surgery if it’s severe.

The sports ace, who won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games, recently spoke out about his Dancing on Ice debut when appearing on This Morning.

Chatting to hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, Sir Steve said: “I must be closest to being one of the oldest, if not the oldest, on the show, but I’m certainly the heaviest that’s ever been on the show.

“120 kilos, so that’s around 20 stone, so I’m not light.

[boxout headline=”Dancing On Ice 2025 pairings” intro=”Here’s the 12 celebs lined up to take part in 2025 – along with their professional partner.”]

Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty

Dan Edgar and Vanessa James

Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt

Sam Aston and Molly Lanaghan

Here’s who has left the show so far:

Mollie Pearce and Colin Grafton – couple were sixth to be booted off

Charlie Brooks and Eric Radford – EastEnders star loses out in the skate-off

Chris Taylor and Robin Johnstone – after Robin replaced injured pro Vanessa Bauer, the couple were the first to be eliminated after the return of the skate-off

Sir Steve Redgrave and Vicky Ogden – third to be voted off

Ferne McCann and Brendyn Hatfield – second pairing to be voted off

Josh Jones and Tippy Packardquits show after injury during rehearsals

Chelsee Healey and Andy Buchananfirst to be eliminated

Sarah Storey revealed she had quit on December 6, 2024. The Paralympian was partnered with Sylvain Longchambon.

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“And I’ve been asking [for] somebody big that can lift me.”

MIDLIFE CRISIS?

When asked why he was giving it a go, Sir Steve laughed: “I don’t know.”

He added: “But earlier this year on the series it was Torvill and Dean‘s 40th anniversary of winning their gold medal, and it’s my 40th anniversary as well … and we’re friends.

“Some of my friends are saying it’s a midlife crisis, but I’m too old for a midlife crisis!”

Dancing on Ice celebrities meet for the first time on the ice.
The cast of the 2025 series have been rehearsing ahead of next weekend’s live show
Dancing on Ice contestants on the ice.
The 2025 line-up of Dancing on Ice is filled with famous faces
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