EastEnders legend confirmed for Dancing on Ice weeks after brief ‘return’ to soap

EastEnders favourite Ricky Norwood has been confirmed for Dancing on Ice mere weeks after he appeared in a newly recorded flashback episode as Fatboy on the soap

EastEnders’ Ricky Norwood is the latest contestant to be confirmed for Dancing on Ice.

The TV favourite famously played Arthur “Fatboy” Chubb on the soap but was seemingly killed off on Christmas Day in 2015. He made a brief return to Albert Square last month in a flashback – but sparked theories he could be alive.

While his future on the soap remains up in the air as fans continue to wait to find out if he’s actually dead or alive, Ricky’s focusing his efforts elsewhere. The actor is going to be focusing his efforts on the ice rink as he trains for Dancing on Ice.

He confirmed the news on Loose Women, telling the hosts he’s “apprehensive” about the lifts, particularly the headbanger. He added: “I’ve got to trust in the process, trust in the training, trust in the trainers.”

Ricky Norwood is best known for playing Fatboy on EastEnders (Image: BBC)
Ricky Norwood is best known for playing Fatboy on EastEnders (Image: BBC)

Ricky had been quiet on social media since he announced his return to Albert Square in August after the episode aired. He shared a few behind-the-scenes shots to his Instagram – leaving his followers thrilled.

He wrote at the time: “Was sooo good to be back on the Square and to be a part of such an epic storyline. Even though Mrs B wasn’t there… she was really.

“I have to say a big thank you for BBC EastEnders and Chris Clenshaw for making it happen! It was such a special moment for me.”

Ricky Norwood will be joining Dancing On ICe (Image: Phil Lewis/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)
Ricky Norwood will be joining Dancing On ICe (Image: Phil Lewis/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)

Ricky added: “But a massive thank you to every one of you EastEnders fans… the best in the world. The love, support and lovely messages from you all means sooo much. The energy from you all has been overwhelming. Love you all x.”

After being inundated with support for his role, he placed his focus on new projects. He finally signed on the dotted line with ITV as he landed a stint on Dancing on Ice.

Fans were thrilled to see his brief return to the soap (Image: Instagram)
Fans were thrilled to see his brief return to the soap (Image: Instagram)

He’s the ninth celebrity to be announced, joining World Champion Boxer Ricky Hatton MBE, actress Claire Sweeney, actress and singer Hannah Spearritt, West End star Amber Davies and Olympic Champion and presenter Greg Rutherford MBE, TV personality Miles Nazaire and Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb and comedian and writer Lou Sanders.

The series is expected to air in the new year.

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