Anton Ferdinand, former West Ham United star, dazzled the audience during his debut performance on Dancing on Ice 2025, skating alongside his professional partner Annette Dytrt. The 39-year-old athlete, whose net worth is estimated at around £4 million, impressed the judges and audience alike with his routine to Måneskin’s cover of Beggin’, earning a respectable 26 points out of 40. Among his biggest supporters were his brother Rio Ferdinand, 46, and sister-in-law Kate Wright, 34, whose combined net worth exceeds £50 million.
How Did Anton Perform on His First Night?
Anton Ferdinand showcased his newly honed skating skills with an energetic and confident routine. Paired with Annette Dytrt, the duo brought charisma and rhythm to the rink, impressing the judges who noted Anton’s potential. The performance scored him 26 points, putting him in a solid position on the leaderboard. Although not at the very top, the feedback suggested he might be a contender to watch in the coming weeks.
What Was Rio and Kate’s Reaction?
Watching from the audience, Rio Ferdinand and Kate Wright couldn’t hide their pride and excitement. Speaking to hosts Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby after Anton’s performance, Rio expressed his joy, saying, “I’m absolutely buzzing because he sent us a few videos and he was horrific.” The couple confessed they were nervous about watching Anton perform live but were thrilled by the outcome. Rio added optimistically, “We’ll be back, hopefully!”
Who Stole the Show in Week 1?
The premiere episode of Dancing on Ice saw six couples take to the rink, each aiming to secure high scores and audience approval. Michaela Strachan topped the leaderboard with a stellar performance that earned her 30.5 points. Meanwhile, Sam Aston, Ferne McCann, and Anton Ferdinand followed closely behind. Chelsee Healey, however, found herself at the bottom of the pack with 22 points. With no eliminations during the first week, all contestants had the opportunity to garner viewer votes for their survival in the competition.
Week 1 Leaderboard:
- Michaela Strachan – 30.5 points
- Sam Aston – 27 points
- Ferne McCann – 26.5 points
- Anton Ferdinand – 26 points
- Chris Taylor – 24 points
- Chelsee Healey – 22 points
How Does Voting Work This Season?
Unlike previous seasons, this year’s format eliminates the skate-off, a crucial change in the show’s structure. The judges’ scores and viewer votes are combined, and the couple with the lowest combined total at the end of next week’s performances will be eliminated. This tweak adds more weight to viewer participation, ensuring every performance matters.
What’s the Story Behind Rio and Kate’s Support?
Rio Ferdinand and Kate Wright’s unwavering support for Anton comes as no surprise given their close-knit family bond. Beyond Anton’s performance, the couple has been celebrating their own milestones. Just recently, Kate marked eight years since she first met Rio during a holiday in Dubai in 2016. Reflecting on their journey, she shared a heartfelt post on social media, reminiscing about their chance meeting and the life they’ve built together. The couple, married since 2019, now shares two children, Cree (born December 2020) and Shae (born last year), in addition to raising Rio’s three children from his previous marriage.
What Lies Ahead for Anton in the Competition?
With the judges already hinting that Anton could be “one to watch,” the former footballer appears to have significant potential in the competition. His combination of athleticism, determination, and support from family and fans might make him a standout contestant in the coming weeks. Anton’s debut has set a promising tone, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see how he refines his skills and evolves as a performer.
How Has Kate and Rio’s Journey Been So Far?
Kate and Rio’s relationship is an inspiring tale of resilience and love. From their serendipitous meeting in 2016 to their marriage in 2019, the couple has weathered personal losses and challenges together. Kate stepped into the role of stepmother to Rio’s three children—Lorenz, Tate, and Tia—after the tragic passing of his first wife, Rebecca Ellison, in 2015. Today, the family celebrates their milestones together, most recently ushering in 2025 with a vacation in Dubai, the place where their love story began.
What’s Next for Dancing on Ice?
The excitement continues next week as the remaining five couples take to the rink, aiming to impress the judges and audience. With the new elimination format in place, the competition is bound to intensify. Anton Ferdinand, along with the rest of the contestants, will need to bring their A-game to secure their place in the next round.
Anton’s debut on Dancing on Ice is not just a personal achievement but also a proud moment for his family. With Rio and Kate cheering him on, the journey promises to be an exciting one for both Anton and his supporters. Fans are eager to see how he builds on this strong start and whether he can skate his way to the top of the competition.
