Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins and Love Island star Maura Higgins are among the names confirmed for the 2020 series of ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
A total of 12 celebrities will take to the ice next year when the series returns.
Here is who is confirmed for the series so far:
– Ian “H” Watkins
The Steps singer joked that in preparation for joining the show he has been watching YouTube videos of previous winners James Jordan and Ray Quinn.
He said: “I have kids now so it’s a skill I can learn and take my kids to the ice. It’s scary and exciting and now there’s no turning back. I know I’m going to be put through my paces and that’s the name of the game.”
The Welsh star, 43, rose to fame as part of British band Steps, who reunited in 2017 to tour and release a new album after a break.
– Maura Higgins
Irish star Higgins announced she would be taking part in the skating series on ITV’s This Morning.
She and Curtis Pritchard, who are still dating, came fourth on Love Island.
She said: “I’ve skated once in my life for fun, so I’ve no experience at all. I’m up for the challenge. I’m more excited than scared. I’m competitive so I think that will drive me.”
– Michael Barrymore
TV presenter Barrymore is known for presenting shows such as Strike It Lucky, My Kind Of People and My Kind Of Music.
He said of joining Dancing On Ice: “I’m looking forward to meeting Holly and Phil. I’m very excited … it’s performance time!”
– Lisa George
The Coronation Street actress will be switching the cobbles for the ice rink.
She is best known for playing Beth Tinker on the ITV soap, a role she has held since 2011.
She said: “I haven’t been on the ice for about 40 years. Yesterday was my first session on the ice. It was good, I really enjoyed it, I didn’t fall. I was a bit scared, I was quite nervous.
“I can’t believe I’m 50 next year and I just thought, ‘If I don’t do this now I’m never going to have the chance to do it again’.”
– Kevin Kilbane
The retired footballer, who played for the Republic of Ireland national team, was the third celebrity announced for the series.
He's kicking off the boots for the skates ⛸ …Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) will be joining us on the ice! #DancingOnIce pic.twitter.com/gyBFPWJUqT
— Dancing On Ice (@dancingonice) September 25, 2019
He described himself as a “total novice”, adding: “This is going to be a massive challenge for me. I’ve been taking it easy for the last few years since I finished (football) so let’s just see how this one goes.”
He retired from professional football in 2012.
– Lucrezia Millarini
The ITV news presenter told of her excitement at being added to the class of 2020.
Yep…well done, if you guessed right! #DancingOnIce #itv #bettergetmyskateson https://t.co/ddyCj7avI7
— Lucrezia Millarini (@lucrezianews) September 25, 2019
She said: “While the news agenda is already pretty busy these days, I know life is about to get a lot busier … with a few bruises along the way!”
– Joe Swash
The former soap star will be testing out his moves on the ice after saying he has already failed on dry land.
Mystery @Dancingonice star…reveal yourself! It's our very own @realjoeswash #LooseWomen pic.twitter.com/ltdJZkHDtP
— Loose Women (@loosewomen) September 27, 2019
The new dad, who just welcomed son Rex with partner Stacey Solomon, said: “I can’t even dance on a dance floor so Dancing on Ice is just a silly idea!
“I’ve done no exercise since the baby was born. Stacey thinks it’s funny. I’m going to learn how to skate and I’ll do it with a smile on my face.”
– Libby Clegg
Blind Paralympic champion Libby Clegg is no stranger to pressure, but will be taking on a whole new challenge when she gets her skates on.
The sprinter, who enjoyed a double success at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio, gave birth to son Edward just five months ago.
Well, it’s finally been announced! I’ll be swapping my sprint spikes for ice skates in the coming months! Hopefully skating my way to success on the ice rink too🎉
Incredibly exciting opportunity which I can’t wait to embrace! @dancingonice #dancingonice pic.twitter.com/Bgz0omnxAu
— libby Clegg (@LibbyClegg) September 27, 2019
She said: “After Rio I achieved my ultimate goal and then I thought ‘what else can I do?’
“This opportunity came about and I couldn’t pass it up. I love challenging myself and experiencing new things.”
– Perri Kiely
The Diversity dancer already has some great moves, but it remains to be seen if he can transfer them on to the ice.
He said: “I’ve done a couple of training sessions. Not gonna lie, it’s hard. It’s game face.”
– Ben Hanlin
The magician has said he is hoping to bring some magic to his performances.
He said: “Can I ice skate? Barely.
“But I did say to the producers, ‘If I’m going to do this, can I try to do magic on ice?’”
The series airs in the New Year with returning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
A new addition to the judging line-up is John Barrowman, following Jason Gardiner’s announcement in August this year that he would not be returning.