Dancing On Ice sign Diversity’s Perri Kiely for new series – despite pal Ashley being a judge
DANCING On Ice have bagged Diversity's Perri Kiely for its next series - despite dance troupe mate Ashley Banjo being on the judging panel.
The Sun Online can exclusively reveal the 23-year-old dancer is hoping to skate to victory after becoming the latest celeb to join 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 bucket loads 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!"
Dancers have a history of going the distance on the series, with former Strictly pro James Jordan taking the trophy earlier this year.
Of course, things could get awkward between Perri and judge Ashley - who have been in dance troupe Diversity for more than a decade - as the 30-year-old talent judge will have to mark his performances alongside fellow judges John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
It won't be an easy feat given that Ashley has been working with Perri since he was just 11-years-old - with the group becoming more like a family.
The awkward set-up comes just weeks after Strictly Come Dancing announced that professional star Oti Mabuse's older sister Motsi had been drafted in as Darcey Bussell's replacement.
The South African star, 38, will have to score her younger sister, 28 — who has been partnered with Kelvin Fletcher - a move which is likely to raise eyebrows among other dancers and viewers.
But it is not a new scenario as Motsi was also a judge on the German version of Strictly, called Let’s Dance, which Oti has danced on for two series.
Perri's signing comes just days after The Sun revealed Michelle Heaton is in talks to join the series - two years after revealing it was her dream to go on the show.
The Liberty X star said in 2017 being part of the show is on her "bucket list", but was knocked back by producers.
Dancing On Ice - which is returning for its 12th series in January - has also snapped up Love Island's Maura Higgins who bagged the role from under the nose of winner Amber Gill.
![Perri boasts a close relationship with Diversity brothers Jordan [L] and Ashley [R] Banj](http://mcb777.site/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/NINTCHDBPICT000449154241.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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A source told us: “Love Island contestants always do really well on the series as they are still fresh in everyone’s minds.
“Maura pipped Amber to the post with her sense of humour and personality.”
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