The new series of Dancing On Ice might still be a long way off yet, but we now know all the stars who will be taking to the ice in the new year.
ITV has revealed all 12 celebrities on next year’s line-up, confirming their identities in a series of announcements over the past week.
Former TV presenter Michael Barrymore and Love Island finalist Maura Higgins were the first famous faces to be announced, with model Caprice later completing the line-up on Tuesday morning.
With the countdown to the new series now officially on, here’s an introduction to all of the skating stars...
Michael Barrymore
Who is he? TV personality and entertainer
He says: “I’m delighted to say that I’ll be joining the Dancing on Ice line up for 2020. I’m looking forward to meeting Holly and Phil. I’m very excited... it’s performance time!”
Maura Higgins
Who is she? Love Island contestant
She says: “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.”
Kevin Kilbane
Who is he? Football pundit and former player
He says: “I am going on as a total novice. I’m starting from scratch here. 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.”
Lucrezia Millarini
Who is she? ITV newsreader
She says: “I’m super excited to be joining the line up for DOI! I can’t wait to get out there on the ice and start training. 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!”
“H” Watkins
Who is he? Steps singer
He says: “What am I doing? I have frantically been You Tubing James Jordan and Ray Quinn. 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.”
Lisa George
Who is she? Coronation Street star
She says: “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 did’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’.”
Perri Kiely
Known for: Member of dance troupe Diversity, which DOI judge Ashley Banjo leads
He says: “I’ve done a couple of training sessions. Not gonna lie, it’s hard. It’s game face.”
Libby Clegg
Known for: Paralympic sprinter
She says: “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.”
Joe Swash
Known for: Former EastEnders star and TV personality
He says: “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 [Solomon, his girlfriend] thinks it’s funny. I’m going to learn how to skate and I’ll do it with a smile on my face.”
Ben Hanlin
Known for: TV magician
He says: “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?’ I will try and attempt to put magic into the show if I can. We start tomorrow! On the ice for the very first time.”
Trisha Goddard
Known for: Former talk show host
She says: “I love physical stuff. Every day I bike ride, I weight train, I love any physical thing. I learnt to ski at 37, I learnt to roller blade at 42. I’m 62 in December. I thought ‘why not?’
Caprice
Known for: Model
She says: “I’ve got some really big news. I’m going to be on Dancing on Ice 2020! At the moment no nerves. I’m excited more than anything.”
This series will see a big change to the judging panel after Jason Gardiner quit, following a number of controversies involving contestant Gemma Collins earlier this year.
He has been replaced by actor and former Dancing On Ice contestant John Barrowman, who will take up a seat alongside Ashley and skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
Dancing On Ice returns to ITV in January.
