As the winter months draw ever closer, so does ITV’s annual celebrity skating contest, Dancing on Ice. Yes, the much-adored competition series is making its return in early 2023, with longtime hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield set to make a comeback. Meanwhile, last year’s judges Oti Mabuse, Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, and Ashley Banjo are also set to return. But which celebrities will be taking to the rink this time around? Well, with a Love Island winner, footballing legend, Olympic gymnast, and former TOWIE star already confirmed, the series is shaping up to be a must-watch. See the confirmed names connected to Dancing On Ice 2023, below.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Arguably the most fascinating contestant from Love Island 2022 , Cülcüloğlu is an actor and model, who previously starred in Turkish soap operas. Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Oct. 5, Ekin-Su shared: “I can’t wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned, and see you on the ice.” The reality TV star later posted an inspirational Instagram message, telling her followers: “Dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey.” Since winning Love Island with her partner Davide Sanclimenti, the 28-year-old has experienced major career highs. Ekin-Su and David are set to star in their own ITV2 travel show, Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings, where the pair will visit each other’s hometowns in Italy and Turkey. Davide turned down Dancing On Ice to focus on other avenues, but Cülcüloğlu is thrilled to join. You can follow her journey via her Instagram profile, @EkinSuOfficial.
John Fashanu
Best known for his football career that spanned from 1978 to 1995, John Fashanu, is set to show off his moves on the ice. The former Wimbledon F.C. player is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
On joining Dancing On Ice, the 60-year-old said: “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.” Watch the ex-footballer announce his appearance on social media, here: @TheRealJohnFashanu.
Patsy Palmer
Former EastEnders actor Patsy Palmer, who currently lives in Malibu, California, with her partner and three children, has joined the show for a special reason. “The pact I made to myself when I turned 50, which I did this year, is that I have to do things to challenge myself for the next couple of years,” Palmer said on ITV’s This Morning, adding that she loves ice skating, but isn’t necessarily good at it. You can find the actor on Instagram, here: @PatsyPalmerOfficial.
Nile Wilson
Swapping the balance beam for the ice rink is British Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson, who announced that he was joining the 2023 lineup on his very own YouTube channel. Describing his upcoming ice skating stint as “a really cool thing,” Wilson also revealed, “I’ve certainly not done much ice-skating, but I am so excited for the opportunity… to get into that routine and to feel like an athlete again.” Speaking on Youtube, the Olympic bronze medalist also disclosed that his “biggest goal on the show” is to do something “no-one has ever done before.” Follow Wilson on Instagram, here: @nilemw.
Mollie Gallagher
Coronation Street’s Mollie Gallagher, who portrays Nina Lucas on the ITV soap, has admitted to being “really excited” about the challenge. During an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, she said: “I’ve not really felt nervous yet, strangely. But being here today, I am now feeling it a little bit,” she revealed, adding that she plans to get “all the tips “ she can from some of her Coronation Street co-stars. You can find the actor on Instagram, here: @mollie.gallagher_.
The Vivienne
Drag Race UK champion The Vivienne will also be sashaying her way into next year’s competition. Writing on Instagram ahead of her time on the rink, the Liverpudlian said: “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.” You can follow The Vivienne on Instagram, here: @thevivienne_.
Joey Essex
Adding to his already impressive net worth, reality TV personality Joey Essex will also be skating his way onto Dancing On Ice 2023. During an appearance on ITV’s This Morning, the former The Only Way Is Essex star revealed he would “love to win.” He remarked: “I’m going to put all my energy into this. This stage in my life, I’m so ready for this.”
As for the judges’ verdicts on his upcoming performances, Essex added, “I’m doing it for me. I want to impress the judges, but I want to impress myself.” Follow the reality TV star on Instagram, here: @joeyessex.
Michelle Heaton
Best known as one fifth of Liberty X, singer Michelle Heaton is swapping the stage for the ice — and she is “so excited” to get started. Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, Heaton revealed that she and her family are “huge fans” of the show. “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.”
Carley Stenson
Actress and West End star Carley Stenson — known as Steph Cunningham by Hollyoaks fans — is “so excited” about her forthcoming Dancing on Ice stint. “I’m terrified but can’t wait – I just want to make the most of this whole experience,” she added in a statement.
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