Doncaster Dancing on Ice winner to host prestigious skating contest

Molly Lanaghan, who skated to success with Coronation Street star Sam Aston on the hit ITV show last year, will be heading up the ISU European Figure Skating Championships which take place at Sheffield Utilita Arena from 13-18 January.

It will be the first time the UK has hosted the glittering contest in more than a decade.

Molly, who was born in Doncaster in 1999, has described as being chosen to host the event as “a special moment.”

She said: “The last time the event was held here was back in 2012 – and I was there as a flower girl, collecting teddies and gifts thrown onto the ice for the skaters I idolised.

“This time, I’m returning in a very different role: I’ll be the official host of the Championships.

"It’s a full-circle moment that means a great deal to me, especially growing up just down the road in Doncaster and starting my skating journey here.”

She will be joined by former Great Britian ice dancer, commentator and choreographer Mark Hanretty.

A spokesperson for the event, the last before competitors head off to the Winter Olympics in Italy, said: “Together, they’ll guide you through every twist, turn and standing ovation in Sheffield!

​”Mark brings years of international competitive experience, a sharp commentator’s eye and the warmth fans know from TV and live events. Molly adds the perspective of a current-generation performer – a British-Canadian ice dancer who has competed internationally and whose recent Dancing on Ice victory has made her one of the sport’s most exciting new media voices.”

"From big opening moments to post-skate reactions, Mark and Molly will keep fans informed, entertained and fully immersed in the action – helping make Sheffield 2026 an unforgettable experience on and off the ice.”

Molly beat off competition from TV presenter Michaela Strachan and partner Henretty in the hit ITV show, with her and Sam hoisting aloft the trophy in front of ice dance icons Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean after skating the couple’s iconic Bolero routine.

Ahead of the show airing, a spokesperson for The Dome said: “We’re thrilled to see Molly, a proud Doncaster native, shining on this year’s Dancing on Ice stage.

“From her early days gliding on our ice to dazzling on national television, Molly embodies everything we’re passionate about – nurturing talent and providing a platform for skaters to excel.

With an impressive competitive career under her belt, Molly has represented Canada alongside her skating partner Dmitre Razgulajevs at major international events, including the ISU Grand Prix series.

Tickets for the event are available here https://www.utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk/event/isu-european-figure-skating-championships/28/