Dancing on Ice: Sally Dynevor announced as first contestant
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Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Oti Mabuse is set to join the judging Ice Panel when Dancing On Ice returns to ITV in January 2022. Joining fellow judges Ashely Banjo, Jayne Torville and Christopher Dean, Oti will be debut her first judging gig since being a dancer on the BBC competition. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are also set to return to present the greatest show on ice.
After a successful couple of years on Strictly Come Dancing, Oti is taking a step away from the dancefloor to judge 12 celebrities on their dancing and skating skills.
Speaking on her new ITV role, she said: “As a professional dancer, I have always had so much respect for the skating professionals on Dancing On Ice.
“It is an exceptional skill that is also so beautiful to watch. I’m feeling really enthusiastic about joining the panel alongside the legendary Torville and Dean, and Ashley Banjo.
“I can’t wait to see the celebrities thrive as they learn how to ice-skate and to champion the professional skaters as they create incredible choreography.
“Having been on both sides of the table, I know a little bit about how they’ll be feeling. It’s more than an honour, and I already can’t wait to join the family.”
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning, ITV, said: “Oti is not only a supremely talented dancer and choreographer, but she brings enormous fun and energy to all that she does.”
The celebrities taking to the ice this year include Coronation Street legend Sally Dynevor, Happy Monday’s Bez, Paralympian Stef Reid.
Love Island’s Liberty Poole, rugby star Ben Foden, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, Paul Gascoigne’s son, dancer Regan Gascoigne.
Popstar Rachel Stevens, professional dancer Brendan Cole, presenter Ria Hebden, BMX Olympic silver medallist Kye Whyte and The Vamps’ Connor Ball will also be in the lineup.
The celebrities will go from novice to expert within a matter of weeks with the help of highly trained professionals.
Matt Evers returns to the show alongside fellow series favourites Alexandra Shauman and husband Łukasz Różycki, Andy Buchanan and wife Robin Johnstone.
Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Vanessa Bauer, Karina Manta and Joe Johnson are all set to return too.
The Dancing On Ice panel isn’t the only career move Oti is making this year, as she recently announced her brand new Radio 4 podcast, Dancing Legends.
The new Radio 4 podcast for BBC Sounds will look at some of the extraordinary people who changed the world of dance.
During the series, Oti will meet some of the most renowned dancers, from ballet sensation Misty Copeland to award-winning choreographer Matthew Bourne.
Oti will also meet some of her personal heroes including, South African dancer Kitty Phetla, Strictly Come Dancing companion Arlene Philips, and Strictly alumni Vincent Simone.
In each episode, Oti will take listeners through the inspirational lives of the dancers who captivated her guests and shaped their careers.
She said: “When I think of dancing, I can’t help but think of the dancers and choreographers who helped pave the way for dancers like myself.
“It’s been so great to get a snapshot into their lives and the legacies they’ve left behind. This series has it all!
“Music, interviews and the chance to hear me try out some of the iconic moves myself, let’s just say there are a few steps I will NOT be trying again!”
Dancing On Ice returns in January 2022 on ITV and ITV Hub.
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