First look at Michaela Strachan in action on Dancing on Ice as TV star lands pro skater ahead of his final EVER series

MICHAELA Strachan has been spotted in action for the first time ahead of her upcoming Dancing on Ice stint.

The Springwatch star got her skates on ahead of taking to the rink on the ITV skating contest this January.

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Michaela has been partnered with long-running pro Mark Hanretty for the upcoming run and she will be his final ever celebrity star after he opted to quit the show after 14 years.

Before it was revealed that they would be paired up together, Mark admitted in an emotional statement that he would be hanging up his skates for pastures new.

However, it seems that he is more determined to win than ever before with he and Michaela making sure to get their preparations in nice and early with their training kicking into full-speed this week.

The pair were seen enjoying an evening of skating as they attended the VIP launch party of the Canary Wharf Ice Rink.

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Revellers at the celeb-packed bash watched on as the TV presenter was spotted practising her moves on the ice, in time for the first episode of the skating show next year.

As well as enjoying some time to rehearse on the ice, Michaela was on hand to support Mark as he presided over hosting duties at the extravagant launch event.

Michaela even found herself gaining some extra help in the form of a former Dancing on Ice champion.

Performer Regan Gascoigne helped her out on the ice at one point as both he and Mark held onto each of Michaela's hands for a spin around the rink.

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It is likely to spark some debate among the current Dancing on Ice crop that Michaela has been able to benefit from the wise words and talent of a former show winner.

Other stars spotted attending the VIP party included reality TV superstar, and former DOI contestant, Ekin-Su as well as Loose Women star Linda Robson and Geordie Shore's Ricci Guaranccio.

Recent Big Brother evictee Izaaz Miah and star of last year's show Hallie Clarke also flocked to the event and were spotted mingling with one another at the luxurious Oasis Bar & Terrace located next to the ice rink.

The launch night marked the brand new season of the festive favourite ice rink with members of the public encouraged to get their skates on for a whizz around the ice in the lead up to Christmas.

STAR DEPARTURE

Pro skater Mark Hanretty's current partnership with the BBC nature presenter is all the more worthwhile after it was revealed that he had opted to leave the programme for good.

Writing on Instagram he said: "Hard to believe I’m embarking on my 12th series of Dancing on Ice.

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"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!"

Fans rushed to comment on the news, with one writing: "I’m sad it’s your last series your my favourite pro skater."

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And another said: "Omg Mark don’t do this to me, all my favourite skaters are leaving."

Last year Mark was partnered with BBC Radio 1 presenter Adele Roberts and they came third.

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