Anton Ferdinand shares brother Rio’s true feelings over his ITV Dancing on Ice stint
Former footballer Anton Ferdinand, 39, has revealed where his brother Rio, 46, stands on his appearance on Dancing on Ice ahead of the new series.
Ferdinand played for West Ham United, Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers across his sporting career.
The 39-year-old has been paired with German pro Anette Dytrt for the next series. She joined the show in 2024 with celeb partner Ricky Norwood.
Looking ahead at the competition, Ferdinand explained he is taking on Dancing on Ice for the “challenge first and foremost”.
“I’m in a new phase of my life after retiring from football and one thing I’ve personally struggled with in my transition is structure. This will give me focus and structure every day,” he explained.
Touchingly, the former footballer said his daughter is another motivator: “She loves performing arts so we can share this experience together.”
To that end, his daughter is “beside herself and excited about the live shows”.
Regarding the rest of his family, Ferdinand happily told ITV that they were “buzzing” to see him perform.
“I’m one of seven siblings and the whole family wants to come down, I don’t know if I’ll have enough tickets,” he said.
Ferdinand revealed that his brother Rio, a fellow former footballer and Manchester United legend, is similarly excited and has “already asked about getting tickets”.
Despite the enthusiasm behind him, Ferdinand was honest about his lack of experience on the ice.
“I’ve taken the kids skating and that’s as far as it goes. I used to go skating as a child so my experience is very limited. I worry about my posture,” he admitted.
Far from being discouraged, the 39-year-old said he was excited to be “learning a new skill and sport” with the recommendations of his physio.
He explained: “Every time you do something outside of your comfort zone you learn something new about yourself so I’m excited to go on that journey of self-discovery.”
Even with his positive outlook, Ferdinand’s competitive spirit is evidently still with him as he conceded he “fears” failure.
“I’m my biggest competition so I’d say my biggest fear is failure and letting myself do,” the former pro revealed.
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On Saturday, Ferdinand updated fans on Instagram with a picture of him standing defiantly in the infamous Dancing on Ice entrance tunnel.
Along with the post he wrote: “Just one day until the ice lights up! Can’t wait to take to the rink and give it my all tomorrow. Let’s go!”