TV PRESENTER Keith Chegwin has shed more than a stone in weight in preparation for Dancing on Ice.

The 55-year-old is one of 12 celebrities who will get their skates on for the hit ITV show that returns to our screens on Sunday.

Last month, we revealed that Keith, who lives near Ashmansworth, was training for the show at Basingstoke’s Planet Ice, with his professional skate partner Olga Sharutenko.

Preparation for the popular series has clearly had a beneficial effect on the star, who is affectionately known as Cheggers.

He said: “For the first time ever, I can get my leg up on to the work surface in the kitchen.

“My missus definitely thinks I have toned up. I have lost over a stone and I have never done that in my life.

“For the first time in my life, I feel really good and I want to do something. Dancing on Ice has given me real determination.”

The Cheggers Plays Pop presenter had to pull out of the 2012 Dancing on Ice show when he broke three ribs and fractured his shoulder during a rehearsal. But he said any fear of a repeat injury was quickly put aside.

He said: “Before I signed on the dotted line, I had two lessons just to make sure I felt alright.

I went back on the rink and after 40 minutes, I knew I could do it. I love it and I’m having such a ball.”

He will face strong competition from his fellow celebrities, who include two British Olympians – gymnast Beth Tweddle and boxer Luke Campbell.

The other contestants are Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson, soap actress Samia Ghadie, singer Shayne Ward, politician Oona King, rugby star Gareth Thomas, actor Matt Lapinskas, presenter Anthea Turner, comedian Joe Pasquale and reality TV star Lauren Goodger.

The action starts at 6.15pm on Sunday on ITV1.