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.
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.
Meanwhile, Dupuytren’s contracture is described as “when 1 or more fingers bend in towards your palm”.
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.
Here's the 12 celebs taking part in 2025 - along with their professional partner.
Sarah Storey revealed she had quit on December 6, 2024, and it’s not known if she will be replaced.
The Paralympian was partnered with Sylvain Longchambon.
Charlie Brooks and Eric Radford
Chris Taylor and Vanessa Bauer
Mollie Pearce and Colin Grafton
Chelsee Healey and Andy Buchanan
Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty
Ferne McCann and Brendyn Hatfield
Dan Edgar and Vanessa James
Sir Steve Redgrave and Vicky Ogden
Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt
Sam Aston and Molly Lanaghan
Josh Jones and Tippy Packard
“And I’ve been asking [for] somebody big that can lift me.”
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!”
