A DOUBLE Paralympic champion is set to appear on the small screen in the New Year as she takes to the ice in one of the nation’s most celebrated reality TV shows.
Libby Clegg, whose family live in Langholm and Newcastleton, is to join the cast of ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
Libby, who is registered blind, won gold during the T11 100m and 200m at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.
She had previously won silver medals in London in 2012 and in Beijing in 2008.
She has been named in the squad for the World Para Athletics championships in Dubai from November 7 to 15.
She and her partner Dan Powell welcomed their first baby, son Edward, earlier this year.
It was while she was on Victoria Derbyshire’s BBC Two show that she confirmed the news about appearing on Dancing on Ice.
She said: “After Rio, I obviously achieved my ultimate goal, double Paralympic gold medallist and world-record holder, and I thought ‘What else can I do?’.
“This opportunity came about and I couldn’t pass it up. I love challenging myself and experiencing new things.”
It’s not the first time that Libby has taken on a TV challenge. A few years ago she was a contestant on Celebrity Chase.
It was confirmed during the 2019 final that Dancing on Ice would return in 2020 and it’s likely to be next January.
ITV announced that I’m a Celebrity and Doctor Who star John Barrowman would replace judge Jason Gardiner.
Barrowman competed in the first series of Dancing on Ice in 2006 alongside professional Olga Sharutenko. They ended up finishing seventh.
“I am so excited to be returning to the Dancing on Ice gig.
“Unlike most, I have been through the rigorous task of skating live as a contestant.
“This is a thrilling adventure for me and I hope to bring a fresh, fun and fabulous angle to the judging panel.”
It’s still to be confirmed whether the rest of the panel, Ashley Banjo and head judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, will return. It’s thought most of the 2019 professional skaters will compete again.