Eddie the Eagle Edwards, the beloved British ski jumper turned cultural icon, teamed up with professional skater Vicky Ogden for the 2024 series of Dancing on Ice. Their pairing surprised many viewers Eddie was famous for his underdog Olympic story, not for graceful gliding on ice. Vicky, an experienced and adaptable pro, stepped in to guide him through the demanding routines. Together they delivered a memorable run that captured hearts, showed real progress, and transformed Eddie’s image from daring ski jumper to determined ice dancer.
How They Became a Pair
Vicky Ogden was chosen as Eddie’s professional partner after his original pro, Tippy Packard, withdrew due to injury late in rehearsals. Vicky was well-known to the Dancing on Ice team, having served as a professional skater on previous seasons. Her experience made her an ideal replacement under pressure. Eddie’s enthusiasm, combined with Vicky’s patience, formed the foundation of their partnership.
Background on the Skaters
- Eddie the Eagle Edwards rose to fame during the 1988 Winter Olympics for representing Britain in ski jumping despite finishing last his bravery and persistence made him a cult hero.
- Vicky Ogden is a seasoned Dancing on Ice professional known for her adaptability and coaching skill, stepping in as a replacement partner during several seasons. She had previously skated with other celebrities including Steve Redgrave.
Performance Highlights and Scores
Their journey began with Week 2, where they skated to Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer. Despite Eddie being a complete novice, the pair impressed with solid footwork and showed glimpses of rhythm and coordination. As the weeks progressed, they performed on themed nights including Musical Week and an Ultimate Skills Test night.
- During Musical Week, they performed to The Phantom of the Opera, earning a respectable total score of 31.5 enough to avoid the skate-off that week.
- In Week 7’s Skills Test, they executed required elements like step sequence, an unassisted jump, and a one-foot spin, showing steady improvement.
Reports indicate they were sixth among twelve couples overall by the end of their run, finishing mid-table with judges’ scores around the low 30s and public votes that fell short of top-tier personages.
The Skate-Off and Elimination
By Week 7 or 8, the competition intensified. Eddie and Vicky faced a skate-off challenge and were ultimately eliminated when judges chose to save other couples. Eddie’s graciousness and Vicky’s unwavering support during the performance phase earned them respect from both judges and fans alike.
Why Their Story Stood Out
Their partnership struck a chord because it embodied perseverance and unexpected growth. Many Dancing on Ice celebrity pairings stick to those with some background in performance or athleticism. Eddie brought zero ice experience, yet turned up week after week with commitment and steady improvement. Vicky’s role as mentor and choreographer was vital and her ability to work mid-season as a replacement was widely praised.
- The pair symbolized the theme of overcoming personal limitations through dedication.
- They proved you don’t need elegance to connect emotionally with an audience mere earnest effort is enough.
- Their journey also highlighted Vicky Ogden’s versatility as a professional skater able to coach on short notice.
Viewer Response and Legacy
Fans showed strong appreciation for Eddie and Vicky’s performances. Social media buzzed with praise for Eddie’s enthusiasm and candid moments. Critics remarked they elevated the underdog storyline into something charming rather than comedic without ever mocking his limitations. Vicky’s expertise allowed Eddie to shine at his own pace, which audiences celebrated as one of the most uplifting runs of the season.
Though they did not win the competition, the pair left a lasting impression. Their arc illustrated how Dancing on Ice isn’t just about glitz and top-tier skating it’s also about storytelling and transformation.
What Fans Remember
- Improvement with each week, showing Eddie learning and adapting rapidly.
- Moments of laughter, small mistakes, and candid reactions that made their pairing endearing.
- Public commentary applauding their growth rather than criticizing technical flaws.
What Came After the Show
After elimination, both Eddie and Vicky appeared in interviews reflecting on their experience. Eddie described it as one of the most fun and challenging projects of his post-Olympic life. Vicky, meanwhile, shared in interviews that the season was emotionally rewarding, teaching her resilience and the value of mentorship in high-pressure environments.
Vicky has since returned to professional skating and coaching roles, while Eddie’s appearance reinforced his status as a cultural symbol of perseverance. Both continue to receive fan support long after the ice melted.
Why Their Story Still Resonates
The pairing of Eddie and Vicky on Dancing on Ice exemplifies more than just reality TV a shared journey of resilience, mentorship, and personal improvement. In a show full of celebrities and polished performances, their story remains a standout because it celebrates determination over perfection. For viewers, it’s a reminder that growth and heart matter as much as showmanship.
Their season underscores a broader truth: competitions succeed when they humanize participants, not just judge them. Eddie’s persistence and Vicky’s professional skill combined to create a narrative arc that viewers rooted for proof that even imperfect pairs can inspire.
Eddie the Eagle Edwards and Vicky Ogden’s time on Dancing on Ice was a journey marked by unexpected partnership, steady progress, and genuine emotion. Starting as an unlikely duo, they showed that dedication and creative support can turn novice effort into heartfelt performance. Though their journey ended in elimination, they left the show with dignity and fans who admired more than their scores. Together, they created one of the season’s most memorable and heartwarming stories a testament to what happens when underdogs embrace the challenge with guidance, humor, and resilience.
: