Anton Ferdinand, a former Premier League footballer known for his time at West Ham United, Sunderland, and QPR, is making waves on television as he competes on Dancing on Ice. Tonight, the 39-year-old athlete will take to the ice once again, showcasing his skills and agility to the audience, including his wife Lucy and their three children, Flynn, Lilah, and Farron.
Having retired from professional football in 2019, Ferdinand has delved into various pursuits, including punditry with Sky Sports and talkSPORT, as well as participating in reality television. Ahead of his Dancing on Ice debut, Ferdinand shared that the show presented a challenge he welcomed in this new phase of his life post-football retirement. He also expressed his motivation for joining the show, citing his daughter’s love for dance and performing arts as a driving factor.
With an estimated net worth of £4 million, Ferdinand approaches the competition not only with support from his professional partner Annette Dytrt but also with the backing of his family. Married to Lucy since 2016, their tight-knit family has football connections through Lucy’s relations; her brother-in-law is former footballer Rio Ferdinand, and their cousin Les has a prestigious football background as well.
During a recent interview, Ferdinand highlighted his daughter’s passion for performing arts, mentioning her enthusiasm for dance and ice skating. With his family’s backing and his experience on the football field, Ferdinand appears poised to tackle the challenges of the ice rink with determination and grace.
Ferdinand’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, as he faced a highly publicized incident in 2011 involving racial abuse allegations against Chelsea’s John Terry. The fallout from the incident had a significant impact on Ferdinand and his family, leading to threats and harassment, including receiving bullets in the post. Despite these challenges, Ferdinand has spoken out about the importance of addressing such issues and the impact they have had on him and his loved ones.
On a personal level, Ferdinand has expressed regret over not speaking out earlier on the incident, acknowledging the importance of standing up against racism. While attempts have been made to reconcile with Terry, Ferdinand remains steadfast in his stance, reflecting on the impact of the incident and the need for accountability and understanding in addressing such matters.
As Ferdinand continues his journey on Dancing on Ice, supported by his family and viewers alike, he aims to inspire through his resilience and dedication to overcoming obstacles both on and off the ice. With his experience, determination, and unwavering support system, Ferdinand is poised to make a lasting impression on the show and beyond.