Former football player Anton Ferdinand, known for his Premier League career with clubs like West Ham United, Sunderland, and QPR, is stepping onto a new stage this weekend as a contestant on the latest series of ITV’s Dancing On Ice. The show, which features a host of celebrities trying their hand at ice skating, will be hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern. Ferdinand, 39, retired from football in 2019 and has since been active in sports media, appearing on various platforms like talkSPORT and Sky Sports.
In the lead-up to his appearance on Dancing On Ice, Ferdinand shared his motivation for joining the show, citing it as a personal challenge and a way to introduce structure back into his life after retiring from football. He also mentioned that his daughter’s passion for dance and performing arts played a significant role in his decision to participate. Ferdinand opened up about missing the structured routine that professional football provided and expressed enthusiasm about sharing this new experience with his daughter.
Ferdinand’s football career was marred by a well-publicised incident involving former Chelsea captain John Terry, where Terry was accused of directing a racist slur at Ferdinand during a match in 2011. The fallout from the incident led to Terry being stripped of the England captaincy and facing a criminal charge, although he was ultimately cleared in court. Ferdinand revealed the harrowing experiences his family endured in the aftermath, including receiving bullets in the post and facing relentless abuse.
Despite the turbulent times, Ferdinand has focused on his family life, keeping his private affairs out of the spotlight. He shares three children with his wife, Lucy Cornell, and has spoken about introducing his daughter to ice skating, hoping she will embrace the discipline and artistry of the sport. Furthermore, Ferdinand recently made headlines for a heated exchange with Love Island star Chris Hughes during the filming of a television programme, underscoring his competitive spirit and determination.
Looking ahead, Ferdinand’s participation in Dancing On Ice promises to showcase a different side of the former footballer, highlighting his resilience, dedication, and willingness to embrace new challenges. As he takes to the ice and captivates audiences with his performances, Ferdinand’s journey on the show reflects his transition from the football pitch to the skating rink, embodying the spirit of perseverance and reinvention. With his family by his side and a newfound passion for skating, Ferdinand’s foray into the world of entertainment signals a new chapter in his post-football career.