Five years ago, with ITV1 in much need of introducing an entertainment extravaganza for its winter weekends, they made a bold decision to launch a new reality show in which celebrities learned how to ice skate. To the surprise of many, Dancing on Ice became a massive hit and since 2008, it has rejuvenated the broadcaster’s fortunes in the Sunday night ratings battle.
 |
| NEW LOOK: Can Dancing on Ice strengthen its appeal? |
This Sunday is the launch of the sixth series and to keep the show fresh and appealing, this year will have massive changes. Not only is there a new set, as production of the series moves from Elstree to Shepperton Studios in Kent, there will be a record sixteen celebrities participating, all new professional partners (just six from previous series remain), the introduction of double eliminations and a reworked judging system with just three judges scoring the performances; Jason Gardiner, Emma Bunton and Robin Cousins with Karen Barber becoming head coach, from now on answering any criticism given by the panel whilst Nicky Slater has been axed completely.
This blog introduces the 16 celebrities going for ice glory this year. Bookmakers’ odds supplied by William Hill, as of 6 January.
Angela Rippon
Age: 66, Occupation: Former BBC newsreader, Professional Partner: Sean Rice
 |
| EXPERIENCE: Will it see Angela all the way? |
Angela is no stranger to the show; she was a guest judge on one week of last year’s series. She is best known for being a regular figure in the BBC newsroom throughout the eighties and early nineties. Despite her age, she has dancing experience which will help to stem some criticism she may receive from the judges. Angela will certainly be a popular figure with the public, no matter if she does good or bad.
Odds: 25-1
Chloe Madeley
Age: 23, Occupation: Celebrity Columnist and Reporter, Professional Partner: Michael Zenzini
Chloe will probably be a new face to a lot of people. She is rarely in the spotlight but does constantly have her say on the celebrity news through writing columns and blogs on a selection of showbiz websites. Chloe is of course well supported by parents, popular TV couple Richard & Judy, but will the public warm to her appearance?
Odds: 20-1
Craig McLachlan
Age: 45, Occupation: Ex-Neighbours actor, Professional Partner: Maria Filippov
As a young man, Craig was a huge figure in the 80’s as Henry Ramsay in Australian soap Neighbours, before moving to further drama roles in his native land. Though time may have past, Craig is still well respected and is now aiming to take it to Britain. It is certainly a big gamble but something that he is confident will pay off.
Odds: 33-1
David ‘Comedy Dave’ Vitty
Age: 36, Occupation: BBC Radio 1 regular, Professional Partner: Frankie Poultney
 |
| COMEDIAN: Will Dave live up to his reputation? |
David has been associated to radio broadcasting all his life. It wasn’t until 1997 when he got his big break in landing a slot on BBC Radio 1 as part of Chris Moyles’s programme and he followed him in every timeslot Moyles moved to, eventually ending up at breakfast time today, under the name of ‘Comedy Dave’. It is no doubt he will be marked as the clown of the pack, bad but funny to watch.
Odds: 25-1
Denise Welch
Age: 52, Occupation: Actress and Loose Women panellist, Professional Partner: Matt Evers
 |
| BACKING: Denise's popularity might see her through? |
Denise is a well known personality to many. Over the years she has acted in a number of roles in television, most notably in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road. In recent years, she is also regularly seen on ITV1’s lunchtime hit ‘Loose Women.’ Everyone that is associated with the show will certainly be backing Denise and there maybe every chance of the same effect to Coleen Nolan in the 2009 series happening to her.
Odds: 33-1
Dominic Cork
Age: 39, Occupation: Cricketer, Professional Partner: Alexandra Schumann
In his peak, Dominic was one of England’s formidable bowlers in the test cricket line-up. He retired in 2002 following 37 test matches and 131 wickets but is still going strongly in country cricket with Lancashire and right now Hampshire. Cricketers tend to do well in shows like this so the jury is well and truly out on him.
Odds: 33-1
Elen Rivas
Age: 35, Occupation: Glamour Model, Professional Partner: Lukasz Rozycki
Elen may be known as a glamour model, but is well known more for her intimate long-term relationship with Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard. It is a tough ask for somebody like her to adjust to modelling sequins instead of dresses but if she can concentrate with the job in hand, she may be the surprise package.
Odds: 40-1 joint outsider
Jeff Brazier
Age: 31, Occupation: TV presenter and reporter, Professional Partner: Isabelle Gauthier
 |
| POPULAR: Jeff will be one to watch |
After his initial hopes of being a professional footballer were cut short, Jeff turned to television to enhance his career. People will know him best for his work on The X-Factor where he usually provides weekly reports for This Morning and presents the programme’s live nationwide tour. Jeff is no doubt a popular figure and will certainly be one to watch on the ice.
Odds: 12-1
Jennifer Metcalfe
Age: 27, Occupation: Hollyoaks actress, Professional Partner: Sylvain Longchambon
 |
| HOT: Jennifer is likely to be popular with the guys |
For the fourth series running, Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks is represented on the show, this time by Jennifer. Well known for her portrayal of Mercedes Fisher on the soap, she remains a popular figure on the show despite Hollyoaks drop in ratings and popularity. Aside from the rumours that she is already linked to dating her professional partner Sylvain, she may be a front runner in the competition and don’t forget she was on the shortlist for the 2009 series but just missed out on a place.
Odds: 13-2
Johnson Beharry
Age: 31, Occupation: Victoria Cross recipient, Professional Partner: Jodeyne Higgins
Many will ask the question, who is Johnson Beharry? No one knows him because he ISN’T a celebrity! In fact, Johnson is British Army soldier who was awarded a Victoria Cross back in 2005 for his services in Iraq. A rather questionable choice but nevertheless, hopes are high for him as with anyone. This will certainly put him in the public spotlight.
Odds: 14-1
Kerry Katona
Age: 30, Occupation: Singer and Reality TV personality, Professional Partner: Dan Whiston
 |
| REDEMPTION: Can Kerry find it here? |
When Kerry won I’m A Celebrity way back in 2004, it was meant to spark an up rise in fame. Instead, it pretty much went downhill, with two divorces, alcoholism, bankruptcy and drug addiction. It was only when she lost her advertising contract with Iceland in 2009 when she stood up and realised what she had done with her life. Now to give fair credit, Kerry is turning it around well and an opportunity like this will give her chance to show everyone that she is back to her old self.
Odds: 10-1
Laura Hamilton
Age: 28, Occupation: Children’s TV Presenter, Professional Partner: Colin Ratushniak
Laura is also perhaps a new face to many people. Since 2006, she has been a regular VT presenter for kids digital channel, Nickelodeon but from time to time, she has also guest hosted the ‘Toonattik’ cartoon strand on the now obsolete GMTV. Laura is one of a few people to have some skating experience but whether this can be taken into advantage is another matter.
Odds: 3-1
Nadia Sawalha
Age: 46, Occupation: Actress and TV Presenter, Professional Partner: Mark Hanretty
Nadia is one of a few people to have experienced the lot in TV. In the 1990’s, she was a regular face in EastEnders and has since gone on star in Casualty and The Bill before moving into TV presenting, including a range of BBC daytime programmes and was also a co-host of ‘The One Show’ in its four week trial run back in 2006. Nadia doesn’t expect to do well; she just wants to enjoy the time.
Odds: 33-1
Sam Attwater
Age: 24, Occupation: Ex-EastEnders Actor, Professional Partner: Brianne Delcourt
Sam may be an actor, though hasn’t had many accomplished roles. His only known appearances were a brief guest stint in EastEnders last year and its online spinoff, E20. Second youngest in the line-up might play to a good chance of success and he has also got a musical school background. He may certainly be someone to watch out for.
Odds: 2-1 favourite
Steven Arnold
Age: 36, Occupation: Ex-Coronation Street Actor, Professional Partner: Nina Ulanova
 |
| OUTSIDER: But Steven might shock people |
The appearance of Steven will already put to everyone’s mind about his Corrie alter ego. As popular butcher Ashley Peacock, Steven was a regular fixture to everyone’s lives until last month when he lost his life in the devastating tram crash. Now he skates onto the show and whether he does good or bad, you can be sure plenty of people will support and vote for him.
Odds: 40-1 joint outsider
Vanilla Ice (a.k.a. Robert van Winkle)
Age: 43, Occupation: Musician, Professional Partner: Katie Stainsby
 |
| ICE: Will skating be up Vanilla's street? |
A legendary American rapper, Ice is well associated to his 1990’s hit ‘Ice, Ice, Baby’ which stormed the charts across the world. After several years of independent work, he returned to the public spotlight last year to produce to remake of his classic track for X-Factor twins Jedward. His determination to succeed and performance levels on the rink may split the public’s view on him.
Odds: 16-1
There is once again an eclectic mix of famous faces. Some who will be going all out to win, others who just want to enjoy the experience and a few who will no doubt make a fool of themselves for votes. Whatever, you can be sure this year’s line-up will looking to bring Dancing On Ice back into the spotlight with its many format changes this year that it really needs to keep it going.
No comments:
Post a Comment