England cricketing legend Monty Panesar signs up for Dancing On Ice
FORMER England cricketer Monty Panesar has signed up for the new 2018 series of Dancing On Ice, The Sun Online can exclusively reveal.
After knocking back lucrative offers from The Jump and I'm A Celeb, the spin bowler has succumbed to the lure of reality TV in a bid to return to the spotlight - alongside Love Island's Kem Cetinay.
Sikh sportsman Monty, who last played against Australia in the 2013–14 Ashes, was well-loved by fans during his time on the team and even won Beard of the Year in 2006.
However, he's had a troubled personal life, speaking openly about his battle against mental illness - and dealing with a further blow during the breakdown of his marriage in 2013.
In the same year he was also fined for urinating on bouncers during a bender in Brighton, an incident which led to him being sacked from the Sussex cricket team.
But now the 35-year-old intends to trailblaze his way back to success via telly, with a source saying: "Monty thinks Dancing On Ice will show he's still got that fight in him - as well as keeping him super fit."
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In July, Monty - lovingly nicknamed "Monty Python" by fans - made it clear his eye is still on the prize when it comes to making a big comeback.
He told SunSport: “I asked myself what was most important to me - to make a bit of money or to train every day to make sure I am fit and ready so I can play cricket again.
“While I may not be earning as much as before, what is important in my life right now is playing cricket. I don’t care how much effort it takes, how much I have to fight, I am going to make a comeback."
Monty's agent had no comment.
Other stars thought to be taking part in Dancing On Ice include Katie Price, Paul Burrell, Bake Off 2016 champ Candice Brown, singer Ray J and model Alex Gerrard.
The gruelling contest, which returns next year, was officially launched in early September with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean as judges, and Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield as hosts.
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