Dancing on Ice filming will go ahead despite skating rinks being ordered to close by the Government in lockdown, ITV has confirmed.
When a second lockdown is enforced on November 5 all non-essential businesses will close once more and household mixing will be banned until December 2.
Boris Johnson has not ruled out the lockdown being extended and has said public skating rinks must close as part of the restrictions.
The news has cast doubt over whether Dancing on On Ice, which is due to air in January, will go ahead.
But now ITV bosses have confirmed the Government has said filming of the competition can go head.
Dancing on Ice filming will go ahead if the country is in lockdown when filming starts, ITV has confirmed (Image: ITV)
A spokesman for the channel said: “ITV takes the safety and welfare of everyone involved with its programmes extremely seriously and follows all Government guidelines regarding Covid-19. The government has confirmed that TV production can carry on throughout lockdown, to that end we will be hiring the local ice rinks on a private and exclusive hire basis.”
The full series line up has been confirmed, with 12 dazzling names having agreed to lace up their skates.
Among the celebs joining the show will be Britain’s Got Talent star Sonny Jay and classical pianist and former singer Myleene Klass.
Former TOWIE star Billie Faiers is also skating her way onto the famous ice rink.
Announcing the news on Instagram Billie wrote: “I am soooo excited to announce that I will be taking part in @dancingonice.”
Former TOWIE star Billie Faiers is skating her way onto the famous ice rink. (Image: Instagram)
Also joining the line-up are professional coach and Disney On Ice star Angela Egan and Klabera Komini – the current reigning champion from the Netherlands version of the show.
In 2021, series regular Matt Evers, who has been a part of the show since it launched on ITV in 2006, will be returning to the ice.
He will be joined by other favourites including Alexandra Schauman and husband Lukasz Rozycki, Mark Hanretty, Hamish Gaman and Brendyn Hatfield.
Gemma Collins on Dancing on Ice (Image: ITV)
Also returning will be Dancing On Ice alumni Andy Buchanan and wife Robin Johnstone.
Andy previously skated with Anthea Turner in 2013 and Zaraah Abrahams in 2014.
Robin partnered Gareth Thomas in 2013 and Joe Pasquale in 2014.
Another new addition is Yebin Mok, who is a member of the UK coaching elite and co-founder of Ice Theatre.
Yebin is married to last year’s professional skater, Doctor and Orthopaedic surgeon Tom Naylor.
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will once again return to present the show and the expert panel of Torvill and Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo will all resume their roles as judges.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
