Three new celebrity contestants have been added to the line up of Dancing On Ice 2019.
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer James Jordan, former Westlife singer Brian McFadden and TV personality Saira Khan will be taking to the ice in the New Year.
James was first to be announced today, during a live appearance on BBC Radio Five Live Breakfast. Whilst he is known for being a professional dancer, James isn’t too sure how he will fare on the ice itself.
Speaking about taking part, he said: “I can dance but I’m a lot older than I used to be. People are going to probably say I’ve got an unfair advantage but when I got on the ice I actually shocked myself how bad I was. I want to be able to impress Torvill and Dean more than anyone else, but I’m a lot worse than I thought I’d be.”
He's a seasoned dancer, but how will @The_JamesJordan fare on the ice? ?? #DancingOnIce pic.twitter.com/xtQyigdJi9
— Dancing on Ice (@dancingonice) October 2, 2018
Brian’s participation was confirmed via a pre-recorded message on Lorraine. Speaking about taking part, Brian said: “I’m very excited. I’ve already been practising out the back garden on my rollerblades and my mum says I’m a one man Torvill and Dean.”
Maybe 'Flying Without Wings' was a throw-ahead to @BrianMcFadden's ice-skating debut? ? #DancingOnIce pic.twitter.com/Olr2frhEPO
— Dancing on Ice (@dancingonice) October 2, 2018
Today’s final announcement came from ITV’s Loose Women, with Saira being confirmed to take part. “I’m in it to win it!” Saira said. “I thought ‘I’m too old, I can’t do it, I’m going fall.’ And my little boy said ‘have you heard yourself mum?’ He shamed me into it. I’m doing this for my kids. Honestly I cannot skate. I’ve never been on ice skates.”
The next celeb to be announced for #DancingOnIce 2019 is… ?
@IamSairaKhan! pic.twitter.com/2wkdeRzA7Q
— Dancing on Ice (@dancingonice) October 2, 2018
James, Brian and Saira join reality star Gemma Collins and actor Richard Blackwood, who were both confirmed yesterday. More celebrities will be announced in due course.
Dancing On Ice, hosted by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, returns to ITV in the New Year.