Robin Johnstone shocked by Dancing on Ice partner Ricky Hatton's death
Dancing on Ice star Robin Johnstone says that the passing of her former skating partner Ricky Hatton came as a total surprise to her.
Robin Johnstone is "utterly devastated" by the death of her Dancing on Ice partner Ricky Hatton.
The figure skater was partnered with the British boxing legend – who was found dead at his Manchester home on Sunday (14.09.25) aged 46 – on the ITV series in 2024 and says that the tragic news came as a total shock to her, particularly as 'The Hitman' was preparing for a boxing comeback in December.
Robin told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I'm utterly devastated that Ricky is gone. He was a good friend. No part of me expected this.
"He was talking to me not long ago about getting ready for his big fight. He was excited, in good form, in training mode and looking forward to the future."
Robin revealed that she and Ricky "remained very close" after Dancing on Ice, even though he was the first celebrity to be eliminated from the series.
She explained: "We remained very close after partnering on Dancing on Ice last year. We'd speak every couple of weeks. We WhatsApped a week or two ago and he'd check in with my husband Andy (Buchanan) and I all the time.
"Ricky was such a sweet man. So caring and funny. He just loved a joke – including the odd dad joke. Out of all my partners on the show, he's the one I kept in touch with the most."
Robin explained that she was most impressed by Hatton's generosity during their time together on the programme.
She said: "In all the time I spent with Ricky – and you spend a lot of time together on a TV show like Dancing on Ice – I never saw him in a bad mood or treating anyone unkindly.
"He treated me like gold. When we were out and the public stopped him for selfies, he'd always take the picture and spend time with every single person. He was generous that way.
"I'm glad for the incredible friendship we formed. Ricky was very open, talking about his past struggles with mental health. He wanted to be open so he could hopefully help others.
"But despite those past struggles, he seemed happy. It's just hard to believe he's gone. I will miss him so much."
