Who is Alex Murphy? Dancing on Ice 2019 professional's age, stroke ordeal and career revealed
31 October 2019, 12:14 | Updated: 31 October 2019, 12:16
The American performer is gearing up for another spin on the ice as the 2020 series approaches – here's everything you need to know about the pro skater.
Dancing on Ice's Alex Murphy will return to the rink for the 2020 series of the hit skating contest.
The professional ice dancer is set to star in the twelfth season of the ITV competition and will partner up with one of the brand new celebrities battling for the trophy.
As she prepares to compete for another year, we reveal everything there is to know about Alex, from her age and career to her horrendous stroke ordeal.
Who is Alex Murphy?
Alex Murphy is a professional figure skater from the USA.
The ice dancer was born near Boston in the city of North-Woburn.
The 30-year-old's successful skating career has meant she's been lucky enough to travel the world performing on cruise ships, and like many of the DOI cast, she's previously performed with Disney on Ice.
American pro Alex also appeared in the Dutch version of Dancing on Ice before joining the UK cast.
Alex Murphy's stroke
The US skater's path to success hasn’t been a smooth ride.
In 2012, Alex was skating on a cruise ship when she tragically suffered a stroke aged just 24.
Opening up about her terrifying ordeal on the ice, she said: "They couldn’t find out just what it was in the Canary Islands after a week.
"I had a headache for a few days but figured it would go away. It didn’t. Then I collapsed on the ship.
"It was a long one for me. It all lasted about 15 minutes but it seemed a lot longer."
Following her collapse, the ice skating champion had to undergo keyhole surgery to repair a hole in her heart – but astounded medical professionals with her recovery.
"Doctors kept saying I was a miracle case and they had no idea how I was still alive, let alone not paralysed. That was so shocking to hear."
Who are Alex's former Dancing on Ice partners?
Alex re-joined the professional Dancing on Ice team for the show's big return in 2018.
The original cast member was paired up with Love Island winner Kem Cetinay, who found fame on the 2017 series of the dating show.
The duo made it all the way to the semi-finals but ended in fourth place when they were booted off the show after losing out to rugby player Max Evans.
Last year, Alex teamed up with Westlife’s Brian McFadden and placed fourth again, missing out on the finals once more.
They lost out to Finnish singer Saara Aalto and her partner Hamish Gaman in the skate-off.
Is Alex married?
Judging by Alex's social media, she keeps her private life out of the public eye.
But it appears the skating star is currently single as she's not been pictured with her former partner, doctor Marcus Stammen, since November 2018.
What is Alex's Instagram?
You can follow skater Alex on Instagram @almurph18.
