The first celebrity-professional pairings for 2019’s Dancing On Ice have been revealed.
Jane Danson, otherwise known as Leanne Battersby on Coronation Street, will be teaming up with Sylvain Longchambon for the 11th season of the show. Sylvain is married to Jane’s Corrie co-star Samia Longchambon, aka Maria Connor.
French ice dancer Sylvain was paired with former Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Waring in the 2018 edition, getting eliminated pretty sharpish in the second week.
Jane appears to be throwing herself into the show and scaling down her part on the cobbles, saying: “I’ll still be there, but maybe not as much as I usually am. Obviously it’s a huge commitment and I want to get stuck into it. I’m going to have a quieter patch within the story.”
Meanwhile, former X Factor contestant and Eurovision star Saara Aalto will be coupled with Hamish Gaman. Last time, British pair skater Hamish was with Perri Shakes Drayton, getting not much further than Sylvain, being the third pair to be eliminated.
Saara will be letting her competitive streak out as she skates, as she’s keen for a challenge. “I’ll be saying to myself, ‘Saara, you need to push yourself more!’ I am so ready for this and I can’t wait to get on the ice,” says the singer.
A total of 12 celebrities will take to the ice for 2019’s show. The first to be announced were The Only Way Is Essex’s Gemma Collins and former EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood.
In a week-long unveiling of the line-up, singer Brian McFadden, Loose Women‘s Saira Khan, cricketer Ryan Sidebottom, Grease star Didi Conn, Pussycat Dolls’ Melody Thornton and ex-Neighbours star Mark Little were also announced to be taking part.
The final member of the group was recently shared to be Wes Nelson of 2018 Love Island fame. Strictly Come Dancing‘s James Jordan was also revealed to be a contestant, however, this has caused some controversy among fans, due to his background as a professional dancer.
Dancing on Ice returns next year on ITV.
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