Richard Blackwood is taking on DOI as his first 2019 challenge. Picture: Getty

The former Eastenders actor and rapper is partnered up with Canadian pro skater Carlotta Edwards.

Former Eastenders actor, musician and comedian Richard Blackwood is donning his skates to star in Dancing on Ice 2019.

The former soap star, famous for playing Vincent Hubbard, left Albert Square in a dramatic twist of events and is now hitting the rink for the eleventh series of the hit ITV competition alongside James Jordan and Wes Nelson.

The 46-year-old is teaming up with Canadian pro skater Carlotta Edwards, who joins the show this year with husband, professional skater Alexander Demetriou.

DOI professional Carlotta Edwards is new to the ITV show. Picture: Getty

Richard Blackwood's ice skating past

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Richard, who towers over his skating partner at six foot tall, let slip that it’s not his first time ice skating.

"My mum went to live in Sweden when I was three or four years old. I used to go to school there and I would ski to school and ice-skate to school," Richard admitted.

"I then used to skate every Wednesday and Friday at Streatham ice-rink, that was like the local hangout."

"So the smart money's got to be on you, hasn't it?" Ben Shepherd, co-host of GMB, asked.

"Obviously I want people to vote for me 'cos I am good, there isn't a favourite anymore though. Everyone brought their A-game yesterday. I was the one that stumbled!" the actor laughed.

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Press Day for Dancing On Ice People! It’s huuuuge today! Documenting and remembering this does not happen everyday! Counting the Blessings! God bless 🙏🏾

A post shared by Richard Blackwood (@richardblackwood) on Dec 18, 2018 at 5:53am PST

Richard Blackwood TV and singing career

Richard Blackwood landed his first presenting gig on Channel 5 dating show Singled Out in the 90s, which led to his own comedy series, The Richard Blackwood Show in 1999.

The star, whose step-sister is supermodel Naomi Campbell, went on to appear in Holby City, Ed Stone is Dead, Bollywood hit Don’t Stop Dreaming and performed on the West End stage as Donkey in Shrek the Musical.

He also released a number of singles, including Mama Who Da Man, which reached number three in the charts.

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Ladies and Gentlemen I’m Happy to Announce my Dancing on Ice Partner is @_carlottamarie A beautiful woman and human being! Great Energy, A Capricorn so we will get along lol and all the way from Canada so my Partner is Straight imported! Only the best!! God Bless People now Let the Training Begin 🙏🏾 #Rolex #killercoutureclothing #weaintplaying

A post shared by Richard Blackwood (@richardblackwood) on Nov 7, 2018 at 2:48pm PST

Want to find out more? You can follow Richard Blackwood on Instagram @richardblackwood to keep an eye on his routines and backstage snaps from Dancing on Ice 2019.

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