Dancing On Ice stars are bloodied and bruised before live shows – I just turn up and watch, says Ashley Banjo

DANCING On Ice judge Ashley Banjo says this year's stars have blood and bruises to show for their efforts as he counts down to tonight's launch.

The Diversity star, 36, is in awe of what the celebs have put themselves through to learn a tough new skill and perform live on primetime television.

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And he admits he gets to just sit back in the "best seat in the house" and watch them go all out to impress.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, he said: "The lads have been training for months on end and they're falling over and they've got the bruises and the blood to show for it.

"I think that I've done it for so long now that I actually look forward to turning up and saying like, 'wow, how have they done?'

"You know, when I see that, when I see those first shows and those first skates, I'm pretty much seeing it all fresh like the audience is.

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"I like that part of it, to be honest, because normally I am super prepared because I'm performing but with a show like DOI I can turn up and do the other job, which is nice."

There have been some notable setbacks for competitors since the line-up was announced.

Dame Sarah Storey was forced to pull out of the competition after fracturing her left ankle on the ice.

She said at the time: “Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way - just as my first routine with Sylvain Longchambon was really coming together!"

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While The Traitors star Mollie Pearce took a month off the ice after suffering an injury of her own.

Judge Ashley takes his role on the panel seriously, but it doesn't require him to put in the same level of background work as the competitors.

He said: "That's what's lucky about Dancing On Ice for me. My head is not in that game, so to speak, until the day I turn up. Like I haven't got to do the work.

"I speak to the producers. I sort of have a rough idea of what's going on and it sounds great.

"I literally turn up and I feel like a viewer that has the best seat in the house. It's definitely going to be good."

It will be an emotional first show for choreographer Ashley and all involved in the show after the death of former finalist The Vivienne last weekend.

The popular drag queen was found dead at home by their dad and stepmum. Police have confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

The show will pay tribute to The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, tonight.

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