When does Dancing On Ice 2020 start?
WE'RE just weeks away from a brand new series of Dancing On Ice which returns in January on ITV.
We have all you need to know about the upcoming 2020 series - plus find out why John Barrowman is replacing Jason Gardiner...
When does Dancing On Ice 2020 start?
ITV has confirmed that the next series of Dancing on Ice will kick off on January 5, 2020.
On December 22, viewers were introduced to the new line-up
Fans will be in for another dazzling series which will see famous faces try to skate their way to glory.
Head judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will be joined returning judge Ashley Banjo.
Jason Gardiner has stepped down from his role as a judge on the show.
What is John Barrowman's new role on Dancing On Ice?
In September 2019 it was revealed that John would be the new judge on the panel when the show returns in 2020.
The actor is taking the seat left vacant by Jason Gardiner, who announced that he was leaving the ITV programme.
John vowed to bring something "fresh, fun and fab-u-lous" to the show.
The TV star, who competed on the ice-skating show in 2006, said: "I am so excited to be returning to the Dancing On Ice family.
"Unlike most I have been through the rigorous task of skating live as a contestant in the first series.
";This is a thrilling adventure for me and I hope to bring a fresh, fun and fab-u-lous angle to the judging panel."
John will be taking a seat alongside Jayne Torvill, Christoper Dean and Ashley Banjo for the 2020 series.
Why did Jason Gardiner quit Dancing On Ice?
Jason announced in August 2019 that he was not returning - citing it was time for him to "say goodbye".
The sharp-tongued judge, who had been on the panel for all but one of the series, said in a video shared to Instagram: "After all these years I feel it's time for me to say goodbye to my judging role and instead I would like to return to things I have kind of put on the back burner for a while."
Jason, who fell out with contestant Gemma Collins during the 2019 show, continued: "To all of my DOI fans I really thank you for your support and encouragement over the years.
"I know we've gone through some controversies and I really am so grateful that you got my unique judging style and honestly.
"It's because of you I never cowered or shied away from serving up the truth."
Addressing his fellow judges and hosts on the show he said: "Holly, Phil, Jane and Chris we created something that we can be very proud of after the ice has finally thawed.
"We've had a lot of laughs over the years a lot of trials and tribulations and I have absolutely loved working with all of you."
Who is in the line-up for Dancing On Ice 2020?
Libby Clegg
Libby Clegg is a Paralympian champion having won two golds in Rio in 2016.
The blind sprinter will be aiming to top the podium again as she takes on the challenge of the ice.
The mum of one suffers from Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy, a deteriorating eye condition, and is registered blind.
Joe Swash
On September 27, Joe Swash became the ninth contestant revealed to star in the forthcoming series of ITV's Dancing On Ice, which kicks off early 2020.
The I'm A Celeb and former EastEnders star confirmed the news during an appearance on Loose Women, and by the look of things, Joe is beyond excited to try his luck at ice skating.
Given that Joe is no stranger to reality TV, the famous actor and TV presenter seems determined to do an exceptional job once the new series kicks off in a few months.
Although on December 13 it was reported he bashed his head on the ice in a nasty accident during rehearsal.
Lisa George
Lisa George is an English actress best known for her popular role as Beth Tinker in ITV’s Coronation Street, a role she’s played since 2011.
She landed her big break outside of television after touring the nation with a stage musical version of Prisoner: Cell Block H.
Lucrezia Millarini
Lucrezia Millarini is a popular ITV newsreader and journalist having fronted a number of shows on the broadcasting channel, including ITV News London, ITV Lunchtime News and ITV Weekend News.
After having worked as an Entertainment Correspondent, she went on to become a regular presenter for the 6pm programme.
Maura Higgins
On September 4, The Sun exclusively revealed that bosses at the show had decided to dump Amber Gill in favour of signing Love Island co-star Maura Higgins instead.
And on September 24, Dancing On Ice's official Twitter account confirmed the news.
Producers met several contestants from the ITV2 show before picking the Irish beauty.
The decision by Dancing On Ice chiefs to sign Maura is a blow to Amber who had hoped the show would be her next big TV project.
Perri Kiely
Judge Ashley Banjo's pal and fellow Diversity member Perri is starring in the upcoming series.
On September 18, 2019, The Sun exclusively revealed that Perri had joined the line up.
A source told us: "Bosses are over the moon they've managed to land Perri for the new series.
"He's got bucketloads of personality and they're convinced he'll bring great energy to the show.
"There's also no doubt he'll be able to pull off some amazing moves that'll seriously entertain viewers.
"If he can do the stunts on ice too he stands a great chance of winning the whole thing!"
Trisha Goddard
Trisha confirmed her stint on Dancing on Ice during a live appearance on Good Morning Britain.
Trisha hosted one of the most popular daytime telly programmes in the Noughties, The Trisha Goddard Show.
It first aired on ITV from 2005 to 2009 but in 2012 moved across to Channel 5.
Unfortunately, it was cancelled after two years.
Trisha then took her show across the Pond - but sadly, it was canned after two series.
Ian 'H' Watkins
On September 18, 2019, The Sun exclusively revealed that Ian Watkins - better known as H from Steps - was in talks to join the next series.
A source said: "Dancing On Ice is set to be a huge showbiz comeback for 'H' and producers are thrilled at the prospect of him joining the show.
"He won a legion of fans in his Steps days with his cheesy dance moves and he could do it all over again by recreating them on the ice. Bosses think he'd be hilarious."
Ben Hanlin
Ben will be hoping to bring some magic to the ice as he takes part in the ITV show.
The magician, who presented ITV2 show Tricked, said: "I did say to the producers, 'If I'm going to do this, can I try to do magic on ice?'
"I will try and attempt to put magic into the show if I can."
Caprice Bourret
Model Caprice is kicking off married life by taking to the ice for the 2020 series of Dancing On Ice.
The skating star wed long-term boyfriend Ty Comfort in secret ahead of the show.
Caprice is paired with pro ice skater Hamish Gaman on the show.
She announced the news she was joining the show via a video message on ITV's Lorraine, telling viewers: "I've got some really big news. I'm going to be on Dancing On Ice 2020!
"At the moment no nerves. I'm excited more than anything."
Radzi Chinyanganya
Radzi Chinyanganya has been confirmed as the replacement for Michael Barrymore on Dancing On Ice.
The comedian was forced to pull out due to a broken hand he suffered in training.
But Radzi quickly skated in to his spot.
He is best known for presenting Blue Peter since 2013.
He is also a backstage interviewer on NXT UK and has been in the role since the brand's inception in 2018.
Kevin Kilbane
On September 25, 2019, Kevin Kilbane was confirmed as the third celebrity skater for Dancing On Ice.
Kevin retired from football in 2012 while playing for Coventry City.
Throughout his career he also played for Sunderland, Everton, Wigan Athletic, Hull City and both Huddersfield Town and Derby County on loan.
Who will host Dancing On Ice 2020?
Hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are back as hosts for the 2020 series.
The pair have hosted the show together since it first began back in 2006.
They have proved very popular on the show - in 2019 Holly created fireworks with her on-going feud with contestant Gemma Collins.
More on TV
Who won Dancing On Ice 2019?
The Dancing On Ice 2019 final was on March 10, 2019, and saw Wes Nelson, James Jordan and Saara Aalto compete for that top spot.
Two million votes were cast, with Strictly star James Jordan and his skating partner Alexandra Schauman being crowned the winners.
They beat Wes who came in second and Saara who was third.