Eddie the Eagle Edwards to Relocate as New Chapter Begins

Eddie the Eagle Edwards, the iconic British ski jumper, is preparing for a significant life transition as he plans to move from his home in Gloucestershire to the village of Kingsclere, located on the Hampshire-Berkshire border. This move marks a new chapter for Edwards, who gained fame nearly four decades ago during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, where he captivated audiences with his underdog spirit and determination.

Edwards, now 62, is often fondly remembered for his quirky persona and memorable moments, including his arrival at Calgary Airport, where he was humorously mistaken for a tourist due to his characteristic thick glasses. Despite the challenges he faced, including being late to his own press conference, he has always exuded a sense of resilience and charm that endeared him to the public.

Reflecting on his past, Edwards reminisces about his journey from a young boy skiing at the Gloucester Ski Centre to becoming a household name. He stated, “I loved the opening ceremony; it was the realisation of my dream.” The experience of competing before 80,000 fans remains vivid in his memory, alongside the joy he felt upon witnessing the Olympic torch being lit.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Edwards is looking forward rather than dwelling on past glories. He plans to split his time between Gloucestershire and his new home, where he will be living with his partner, Karen Pearce. The couple has been together for over three years, having met at a tea dance rather than a ski slope. Edwards shared, “She was a very good dancer, Karen. We had a dance, got in touch and started dating.” With their new home purchase underway, he expresses excitement about this next phase of his life: “We are hoping to exchange within the next couple of weeks.”

The move is partly motivated by Pearce’s career as a gardener, as she wishes to maintain her local clientele. Edwards acknowledges the change, admitting he will miss the proximity to his daughters, who are now leading their own lives. “It’s only an hour drive away,” he noted, indicating that he will continue to visit his family and the places that shaped his early skiing experiences.

Edwards has undergone considerable personal growth since his Olympic debut. He has faced financial challenges, including a bankruptcy that occurred four years after Calgary, prompting him to pursue a law degree at De Montfort University. The success of the 2015 film about his life, which starred Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman, reignited his career, leading to numerous speaking engagements and opportunities in reality television.

He remains active in sports, having recently participated in the television show Dancing on Ice, where he finished sixth. In addition, he has taken on acting roles, including a recent performance in a pantomime of Beauty and the Beast, where he played Professor Crackpot. Edwards maintains a connection to skiing, which remains an integral part of his life. “I still ski as much as I can and I love skiing anywhere,” he affirmed, expressing his passion for the sport that brought him fame.

While he has faced numerous injuries over the years, Edwards reports that he is in good health and continues to lead an active lifestyle. He humorously remarked about his past misadventures, saying, “I did break lots of things… but I’ve not broken anything for over 30 years now.”

As he embarks on this new journey, Edwards hopes to be remembered not just for his Olympic exploits but for the resilience he has shown throughout his life. “I just want to be remembered for putting a smile on people’s faces,” he stated. As he prepares for this new chapter, it is clear that Eddie the Eagle, with his down-to-earth personality and determination, will continue to inspire those around him.