Dancing On Ice is set to return to our screens on Sunday night, with stars from the world of television, sport and beyond all getting their skates on this time around.
The long-running reality show is back for its 15th season slightly later in the year than usual, with the launch show airing on ITV on Sunday 15 January.
With initial training now complete, costumes fitted and the stage absolutely set, all that’s left to do is check out the 11 celebs who will be put through their paces on the ice in 2023...
Soap legend Patsy is best known for her portrayal of Bianca Jackson in EastEnders, although in recent years she’s moved across the pond and reinvented herself as a DJ and lifestyle guru.
After being the first celeb to be announced for the new series of Dancing On Ice last year, she said: “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!”
Best known for his football career, John also fronted the ITV game show Gladiators and appeared on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!.
He 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!”
Ekin-Su shot to instant fame earlier this year as a Bombshell contestant on the 2022 series of Love Island, going on to win the whole show alongside boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti.
“I’m so excited, I can’t wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice!” she said of her involvement in the show.
The former Turkish soap star is the latest in a long line of Islanders who’ve gone on to compete on Dancing On Ice, including Kem Cetinay, Wes Nelson and Maura Higgins.
The Olympic gymnast scooped a number of medals throughout his sports career, including a bronze at the Olympics and gold at the Commonwealth Games, before retiring in 2021.
Nile said: “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.”
Teasing what we can expect from him on the ice, Nile added: “My biggest goal on the show is to do something that no-one has ever done before!”
The soap star has been part of the Coronation Street cast since 2019, when she arrived on t’cobbles as Roy Cropper’s niece Nina in 2019.
Mollie has been at the centre of a number of hard-hitting storylines during her three years with the soap, even earning a National Television Award for her portrayal of Nina last year.
Her involvement in the show was announced on Lorraine, during which she admitted: “I’m really excited. I’ve not really felt nervous yet, strangely. But being here today, I am now feeling it a little bit!”
The Vivienne won the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK back in 2019, and went on to represent Britain during the US show’s most recent All Stars series, which saw former champions competing to be crowned the “queen of all queens”.
She said: “This is honestly a dream come true and I can’t wait to start training on the ice.”
On representing drag on a mainstream show, Viv added: “[This] is truly an honour. I think it’s a big step forward for queer representation on TV.”
The reality star is best known for his long-running appearances on The Only Way Is Essex at the height of the show’s popularity, and he’s since gone on to compete in shows like I’m A Celebrity, The Jump and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Win.
He said: “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 this.
“I want to impress the judges but I want to impress myself. I’m going to put all my effort into this.”
The comedian is best know for his stand-up and most recently co-hosted Love Island spin-off Aftersun with Laura Whitmore.
Revealing news of his participation in DOI to Trisha Goddard on Talk TV, Darren said: “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 former Hollyoaks star is known to soap fans for playing Steph Cunningham on the Channel 4 show from 2000 to 2011, and more recently has forged a career in the West End.
Of appearing joining Dancing On Ice, she said: “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.”
Singer Michelle rose to fame when she appeared on Popstars in 2000, later forming the group Liberty X with her fellow runners-up, who went on to have hits like the number one Just A Little.
Michelle 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.”
Pop star Siva is better known as a member of boyband The Wanted.
He said of joining DOI: “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!”
Dancing On Ice will return to our screens in January 2023.