When does Dancing on Ice 2021 start? Full line up of contestants and judges - and when the show is expected to air

Fans of Dancing on Ice won’t have to wait long until the show returns to their screens on 17 January
Who’ll be taking to the Dancing On Ice rink in 2021?Who’ll be taking to the Dancing On Ice rink in 2021?
Who’ll be taking to the Dancing On Ice rink in 2021?

So far nine celebrities have been announced as part of the 2021 line-up. Here’s everything you need to know about the new series.

When’s it on TV?

The show will be back on our screens on 17 January on ITV.

The show revealed the news on 18 December, along with a teaser clip of the new celebrities with their pro partners.

Are there new rules this year?

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Like lots of TV shows, the coronavirus pandemic has affected the way Dancing on Ice will be filmed in 2021.

For the first time, there won’t be a live studio audience during filming.

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield will be back to present the show.

The judging panel remains unchanged with Jayne Torvell, Christopher Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo all returning.

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John Barrowman told the Lorraine show that he thinks the series will come at a perfect time and that the cast will have to try harder than ever without a studio audience.

He said: “If we have to do it without an audience then so be it. It’s up to myself, Ashley, Chris and Jayne, and Phillip and Holly and everyone in the studio to bring that energy across to the audience at home.

“It will be a challenge but I think we’ll be up for it.”

In October, contestant Graham Bell revealed that bubbles were formed, consisting of a celebrity, a pro skater and a coach. During training, each bubble will have its own ice rink to keep them all separated from one another.

What celebrities are taking part?

Nine celebrities have been confirmed as part of the line up for the show.

Rebekah Vardy

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The TV personality and footballer’s wife is the latest star confirmed for the 2021 series.

After the announcement, Rebekah said: “I'm so ready for the sequins and full glam squad. After months of lockdown, it'll be nice to get the glam on.”

The star previously appeared on the 2017 series of I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! She told Good Morning Britain that she isn’t a novice on the ice.

“My dad taught me how to stand up on a pair of skates at least when I was about 7 years old," she explained. "We used to go skating a lot when he used to pick us up after my mum and dad split up. We used to go and stay with him for the weekend.

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"He used to take us to the local ice rink, so it's a really fun family thing for us to have done together. I'm really excited, actually."

Graham Bell

Former Olympic skier and Ski Sunday presenter is joining the lineup for 2021.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, where he confirmed the news, he said: “Ice doesn’t scare me, it’s the dancing.”

Although he did admit to some table dancing whilst wearing ski boots in après ski.

Colin Jackson

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Another former British Olympian and BBC presenter, track star Colin Jackson is set to hit the ice in 2021.

The former sprinter has dancing experience after appearing on the 2005 series of Strictly Come Dancing, and is hoping his sports background will help him out on the ice.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast he said: “can do a little bit of skating. I think with sport in itself you’ve certainly got a bit of balance and that will be transferable in this circumstance. How much dancing we’ll do, who knows?! We’ll see how the choreography goes.”

Sonny Jay

DJ Sonny Jay is swapping his decks and headphones for a pair of skates when the show returns.

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Normally heard alongside Roman Kemp and Sian Welby on the Capital Radio Breakfast Show, the DJ revealed the news on air to his co-stars.

Jay said: “I’m going to be doing Dancing on Ice! I’m so excited, I don’t know how I kept it a secret.”

Jason Donovan

The former Neighbours actor and star of the West End will be stepping on to the ice next year.

Donovan, who rose to fame playing Scott Robinson on the soap, said: “The news is out!! I am delighted to announce I am taking part in Dancing on Ice.”

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Speaking on Twitter he confessed love for winter sports, saying he can’t wait to get on the ice.

He might be one to watch….

Faye Brooks

Another soap star is hitting the ice this year in the form of Coronation Street actor Faye Brooks.

Best known for playing Kate Connor on the ITV soap opera, the actress spoke on the Lorraine show saying: “I’m so excited! I had to meet with the team, they had to see me on the ice and there was a coach to review the basics.”

Denise Van Outen

The West End star and radio host was the third celebrity announced for the next series.

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Van Outen has plenty of talent show experience, appearing on the first ever UK series of The Masked Singer, and she took part on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.

Sharing the news on Instagram she said: “I am so excited to join the show that I've loved watching for years. I can't wait to meet my pro partner and get on the rink for lessons.

I feel like 2021 is going to bring a smile to all our faces with this fabulous ice show. Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle to brighten up a winter!"

Joe-Warren Plant

Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant was the second celebrity announced as part of the new line up.

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The 18-year-old, best known for playing Jacob Gallagher on the ITV soap, has come out the gates strong saying he is in it to win it.

Myleene Klass

The musician and TV presenter was the first celebrity confirmed for the Dancing on Ice 2021 series.

Sharing the news on Twitter she said: “Guess who won’t be holding the coats by the side of the rink anymore!

I’ve always been scared my piano fingers will get sliced off! Anyway,I want to make them proud, show them I’m up for a challenge and try for a bum like Jlo.”

What professional skaters are taking part in 2021?

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In early October ITV announced the full line-up of professional skaters for the 2021 series.

It included some returning stars and some new faces. A few pros from Dancing on Ice 2020 will not be coming back, including Brianne Delcourt, Carlotta Edwards, Alexander Demetriou and 2020 champion Alex Murphy.

The full list of professionals for series 13 is:

- Matt Evers

- Alexandra Schauman

- Lukasz Rozycki

- Mark Hanretty

- Vanessa Bauer

- Hamish Gaman

- Brendyn Hatfield

- Andy Buchanan

- Robin Johnstone

- Angela Egan

- Klabera Komini

- Yebin Mok

- Karina Manta

- Joe Johnson