Dancing On Ice star officially quits the ITV skating show saying ‘It’s the end of an era’

DANCING On Ice star Mark Hanretty has officially hung up his skates and quit the show.

The professional skater has bowed out after 12 series’ and told fans it is “the end of an era”.

Dancing On Ice’s Mark Hanretty has officially quit the showRex Features RexThe pro skater finished this year’s series in second place with Michaela Strachan[/caption]

In an emotional message, Mark shared a clip from last weekend’s Dancing On Ice final.

The footage shows Mark and his celebrity partner Michaela Strachan being interviewed after finishing this year’s competition in second place.

Mark wrote alongside it: “End of an era for me!

“So grateful to all the people in front and behind camera who have made my 12 seasons on @dancingonice such a joy! Very grateful!”

Fans have been quick to send good luck messages to Mark, while also sharing how much they will miss him.

One wrote: “Best of luck with what comes next. You are going to be missed. It won’t be the same without you.”

Another added: “You will be much missed on #DancingOnIce Mark. You were not only the best professional who was mesmerising to watch onscreen but also a lovely person to all your partners. It won’t be the same without you and I will miss seeing you.”

And a third said: “I was so happy you got to skate the Bolero for your final show with DOI, all the very best for your next adventure. Dancing on Ice just won’t be quite the same without you though.”

Mark confirmed last October that he would be bowing out of Dancing On Ice after the 2025 series.

The Scots-born star did not give a reason for his decision to leave.

Mark said: “Hard to believe I’m embarking on my 12th series of Dancing on Ice.

“I’m as excited as ever and so grateful for the chance to work on the greatest show on ice once again.

“This will be my last year as a pro skater and I’m eager to soak up every second of it!”

Mark began figure skating in 1995 and went on to represent Great Britain in the sport.

He joined Dancing On Ice’s team of pros in 2011 but was forced to bow out in 2014 due to injury.

The ITV show was rested for several years before returning to screens in 2018.

Mark never managed to win the series, although he placed third with both celebrity partners Kimberly Wyatt and Adele Roberts.

This year was his best yet, finishing in second place with telly star Michaela. The pair lost out to Coronation Street star Sam Aston and his partner Molly Lanaghan.

Once the results were revealed, Mark said: “I want to thank Michaela and everybody.

“There are so many people you don’t see that make this the amazing show it is.”

Pointing to Michaela, he added: “So thank you to you and all of them!”

Mark joined Dancing On Ice in 2011Rex Features Pictured here with Billie Faiers, Mark has skated with a string of celebrity partners over the yearsRex RexHe finished Dancing On Ice last year in third place with Adele Roberts[/caption]