She’s the stunning Doncaster-born ice dancer who stole the nation’s hearts last year, skating her way to victory on Dancing on Ice with Coronation Street favourite Sam Aston.

But now, in a full-circle moment that’s got the skating world buzzing, Molly Lanaghan, 26, has been unveiled as co-host of the prestigious ISU European Figure Skating Championships – bringing her talents back to Yorkshire soil just weeks away!

The glamorous pro, who still trains at her local Dome rink where it all began, will take to the mic alongside Dancing on Ice legend Mark Hanretty for the glittering event at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena from January 13-18.

Molly, whose electrifying performances and girl-next-door charm made her an instant fan favourite, shared her excitement on social media: ‘I’m beyond excited and truly honoured to be hosting the European Championships alongside Mark – especially here in Sheffield, a city that holds such a special place in my heart.’

Insiders tell the Daily Mail that bosses at British Ice Skating jumped at the chance to snap up Molly fresh off her DOI triumph. ‘She’s the perfect choice,’ our source dished. ‘Young, relatable, a proper skater with international experience – and that DOI win has given her massive star power. Pairing her with Mark is genius – he’s the veteran, she’s the fresh face.’

The announcement has sent fans into meltdown, with thousands flooding Instagram and X with praise. ‘Molly hosting Euros? Iconic!’ gushed one. ‘From winning DOI to presenting the real deal – proud Doncaster girl!’

Another added: ‘This is what dreams are made of. Sheffield is going to be electric!’

Let’s rewind to Molly’s fairy-tale journey that’s led to this pinnacle moment.

Hailing from humble beginnings in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Molly started skating as a youngster at the local Dome – the very rink that’s now celebrating her as their homegrown hero.

She quickly rose through the ranks as a competitive ice dancer, partnering with Dmitre Razgulajevs to represent Great Britain and Canada in international events. The duo wowed judges with their technical prowess and artistry, competing on the global stage before Molly made the bold move to turn professional.

But it was her debut on Dancing on Ice in 2025 that catapulted her to household name status.

Paired with cheeky Corrie star Sam Aston – who’s played Chesney Brown since he was a kid – the chemistry was instant. Week after week, they delivered jaw-dropping routines, from sizzling sambas to emotional Boleros that had judges Torvill and Dean on their feet.

Who could forget their perfect-scoring showcase in the final, choreographed by the icons themselves? Or the moment Sam lifted the glitterball, tears streaming down his face as he thanked Molly for ‘making me a skater’?

‘It was magical,’ Molly later reflected. ‘Sam was a complete beginner, but his determination was incredible. Winning together felt like a dream.’

The victory lap didn’t stop there. Molly returned to Doncaster for emotional homecoming events, hosted masterclasses at Ice Sheffield, and even opened up about the personal heartbreaks that fuelled her fire – including a tough partnership split and moving countries for the sport.

‘Skating’s given me everything,’ she said in a candid interview. ‘But it’s also broken my heart at times. Winning DOI healed a lot of that.’

Now, with the European Championships on the horizon – the first time in over a decade the event’s been held in the UK – Molly’s stepping into a new role: presenter extraordinaire.

She’ll co-host with Mark Hanretty, the Scottish skating stalwart who’s been a DOI pro for years, charming celebs like Perri Kiely and Libby Clegg to success.

‘I’m absolutely delighted to be working with Molly again,’ Mark gushed. ‘It’s a full-circle moment – I choreographed for her when she was just a youngster, then we teamed up as pros on Dancing on Ice, and now we’re co-hosting one of the biggest events in the sport!’

The championships promise high-stakes drama, with Europe’s top skaters battling for medals in men’s, women’s, pairs and ice dance – all eyeing glory ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Expect dazzling jumps, intricate spins and edge-of-your-seat rivalries, all under the spotlight at the sold-out Utilita Arena.

For Molly, it’s extra special. ‘Sheffield holds such a special place in my heart,’ she said. ‘Training there, competing there – and now hosting Euros? Pinch me!’

Her Doncaster roots are shining through too. The Dome posted proudly: ‘Your Host for the Figure Skating European Championship 2026 – Doncaster’s very own Molly Lanaghan! We are THRILLED!’

Local MP Lee Pitcher even weighed in after her DOI win: ‘Doncaster’s pride – now taking on the Euros!’

Off the ice, Molly’s life is just as whirlwind. Single after focusing on her career, she’s been linked to a few fellow skaters but keeps coy. ‘I’m all about the ice right now,’ she teased.

With DOI sadly rested for 2026 amid falling ratings – the show that launched her to stardom taking a breather – this hosting gig couldn’t be more timely.

‘It’s bittersweet,’ our source admits. ‘DOI changed everything for her, but Euros is proper figure skating – the elite level. She’s bridging the gap between entertainment and sport perfectly.’

Fans are already snapping up tickets, with the Fan Zone promising interactive fun from January 10.

As one excited commenter put it: ‘Molly and Mark hosting? This is going to be the best Euros ever!’

From Doncaster Dome to European dazzle – Molly Lanaghan’s star is soaring higher than ever.

We can’t wait to see her shine. Break a leg – or should we say, perfect landing – Molly!