Dancing On Ice is set to return to our screens for an incredible fourteenth series as ITV release the first snaps of this year’s star-studded cast.
The celebrity cast hoping to win the season trophy includes the likes of EastEnders icon Patsy Palmer, Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, TOWIE icon Joey Essex and popstar Michelle Heaton.
Guiding the celebrity novices are their professional partners, with newbie Olivia Smart joining the pro-skaters, alongside former winner Sylvain Longchambon, legend Matt Evers and beauty Vanessa Bauer.
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Fans will not have to wait much longer until the popular ITV show returns, as it’s due to commence on Sunday, January 16, at 6.30 pm.
Here’s the first glimpse of some this year’s stellar cast as they prepare to compete.
Patsy Palmer and Matt Evers
(Image: ITV)
EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer has joined the 2023 series and will be dancing with DOI legend Matt Evers.
She said: “I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. I thought ‘I’ll just go for it’ and it seems like a lot of fun.
“My pact that I made with myself when I was 50 was I have to do things to challenge myself for the next couple of years. This is for all the 50-year-olds out there that think they can’t challenge themselves!”
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Brendyn Hatfield
(Image: ITV)
Love Island 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu will take to the ice alongside Brendyn Hatfield.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, she said: “I’ve got some amazing news to tell you, I’m going to be doing this year’s Dancing on Ice! I’m so excited, I can’t wait to get myself on the ice and skate.
“Stay tuned and see you on the ice!”
Michelle Heaton and Lukasz Rozycki
(Image: ITV)
Liberty X star Michelle Heaton was the 10th celeb to be revealed and she’s been paired with Lukasz Rozycki.
She spoke to Lorraine Kelly and said: “I’m so excited – I can’t believe it.
“Me and the kids are such huge fans of the show in general. I’ve always wanted to do it but I know I would never have been able to complete anything because of the way I was 18 months ago, so I’m really truly grateful that I’ve got it this year when I’m a lot stronger.”
Joey Essex and Vanessa Bauer
(Image: ITV)
The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex will take to the stage dancing with Vanessa Bauer.
He said on This Morning: “I would love to win. I’m going to put all my energy into this… This stage in my life, I’m so ready for something like this.
“I’m doing it for me. I want to impress the judges, but I want to impress myself. I’m going to put all my effort into it.”
Mollie Gallagher and Sylvain Longchambon
(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street actress Mollie Gallagher – who plays Nina Lucas in the long-running soap – will be taking to the ice with Sylvain Longchambon.
She added that she will be seeking advice from her Coronation Street co-stars, saying: “I’m really excited. I’ve not really felt nervous yet, strangely.
“I’ll be getting all the tips I can because I’m going to need it!”
Nile Wilson and Olivia Smart
(Image: ITV)
Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson will glide on the ice with newbie Olivia Smart, who represented Spain at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
He told his fans via his YouTube channel: “I’m going to be on ITV’s Dancing on Ice!
“This is a really cool thing. I’ve certainly not done much ice skating but I am so excited for the opportunity. I’m so excited to get into that routine and to feel like an athlete again.
“My biggest goal on the show is to do something that no one has ever done before!”
Carley Stenson and Mark Hanretty
(Image: ITV)
Former Hollyoaks actress Carley is partnered with Mark Hanretty.
She is best known for playing Steph Cunningham in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks and also starred in several West End productions, including Legally Blonde: The Musical and Les Misérables.
Telling fans, she revealed: “I’m so excited that I get to learn how to dance…on ice! I’m terrified but can’t wait – I just want to make the most of this whole experience.”
Siva Kaneswaran and Klabera Komini
(Image: ITV)
The Wanted singer Siva Kaneswaran will compete with Klabera Komini.
He told Good Morning Britain: “I’m very excited. I’m trying to be positive and not be in a fearful mindset!
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the cast. I want to learn how to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for everyone to see and hopefully not make a fool of myself!”
John Fashanu and Alexandra Schauman
(Image: ITV)
Football legend John Fashanu was the second celeb to join the line-up and will be competing with Alexandra Schauman.
The 60-year-old former centre-forward said: “I’m so excited to be a part of Dancing on Ice, I don’t think it’ll come as a surprise to people that I’m very competitive – I am definitely in it to win it.
“And this may be one of the scariest things I’ve ever signed up for but I couldn’t be more ready for the challenge!”
Darren Harriott and Tippy Packard
(Image: ITV)
Stand-up comedian Darren Harriott will take to the ice with Tippy Packard.
The 34-year-old funny man is best known for his apparance on 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo and The Last Leg.
He told Trisha Goddard on Talk TV: “I’ve got giant feet, I don’t skate and I can’t dance! My family has already made bets – they’re making bets that I’ll fall on the first episode!”
The Vivienne and Colin Grafton
(Image: ITV)
RuPaul Drag Race UK series one winner The Vivienne, has also signed up for the show and will dance alongside Colin Grafton.
Writing on social media: “This is honestly a dream come true and I can’t wait to start training on the ice. To be the first drag artist to take part in one of the big UK reality competition shows is truly an honour.
“I think it’s a big step forward for queer representation on TV.”
Dancing on Ice returns Sunday 15th January, 6:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
