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The Thursday Murder Club is available on Netflix and the film draws inspiration from Richard Osman's 2020 novel bearing the same title, although there are significant differences between the two.

Featuring an all-star ensemble, Tom Ellis portrays former professional boxer Jason Ritchie, who happens to be the offspring of retired trade unionist Ron Ritchie (Pierce Brosnan). Within the storyline, Jason undergoes training alongside ice skating expert Vanessa Bauer, as he represents one of the famous faces competing on Dancing on Ice.

Police officers Chris Hudson (Daniel Mays) and Donna De Freitas (Naomi Ackie) subsequently interrogate Jason, who becomes a murder suspect, pressing him about his location during crucial moments.

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An Instagram fan account dedicated to Tom Ellis posted a video interview featuring the actor discussing Jason Ritchie's Dancing on Ice appearance with several co-stars, reports the Manchester Evening News.

During the clip, he disclosed how his preparation time paled in comparison to genuine Dancing on Ice contestants.

He revealed: "I was dreading it, I had to go for several lessons and I was working with some of the people that actually do Dancing on Ice.

"They informed me that normally you do 30 hours of training before you even start doing the recorded bit. I had about five, I think."

However, he commended the production team for presenting his ice skating abilities in a polished manner.

He continued: "Thankfully with the wonders of smoke and mirrors it made me look a little bit better than I was."

Does Tom Ellis's Jason Ritchie participate in Dancing on Ice within the Thursday Murder Club novel?

Yes, Jason's stint on Dancing on Ice is indeed part of the original story, but what transpires after his training differs greatly in the book.

In the film adaptation, Jason becomes a prime suspect in a murder case and is apprehended and taken into custody after Chris and Donna corner him in the ice rink changing rooms.

Ron, Ibrahim (played by Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (portrayed by Celia Imrie) then make their way to the police station to help secure his release, where Jason reveals he has an alibi - he was having an affair with Ian Ventham's (David Tennant) wife.

However, none of this occurs in the book as Jason is let off the hook after Donna and Chris visit him at the ice rink during the Dancing on Ice rehearsal.

The Thursday Murder Club is on Netflix

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