Dancing on Ice 2011 - The ultimate skills test

BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment Expert)

FOR the last few weeks, the remaining celebrities had been practicing their jumps and steps skills but now, they had to learn the spin element and then incorporate all three into the Ultimate Skills Test.

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini

Skated to: Little Bird

It had been a stressful week for Chloe, with the big test looming.  However, this routine was her weakest of the competition so far.  A very decent effort with the skills, but there was a lack of additional presentation.

SCORES: Jason 5.5, Robin 5.5, Emma 7.5                                TOTAL: 18.5 (4th)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Skated to: She Will Be Loved

A tough challenge indeed for Johnson, there was not only the matter of impressing in the test but in continuing to win Jason over.  Everything came together in this performance but strangely, the marks went down as the judges believed like Chloe, he focused more on skill instead of additional content.

SCORES: Jason 4.5, Robin 5.0, Emma 5.0                                TOTAL: 14.5 (7th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Skated to: Stop

Laura came into the test with streams of confidence.  She eased through the skills with flying colours, executed other elements with such great ease and by merit, she won top place to herself on the leaderboard.

SCORES: Jason 8.5, Robin 8.5, Emma 8.5                                TOTAL: 25.5 (1st)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Skated to: Forget You

A pattern had seemed to emerge at this point in the show as several celebrities were sacrificing the presentation of their routines in favour of concentrating on the skills.  Jeff was another of those who went down this route.  This was a noticeably weaker performance in comparison to recent weeks.

SCORES: Jason 5.5, Robin 5.5, Emma 5.0                                TOTAL: 16.0 (6th)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Skated to: True Colours

Denise has really given everything in the competition and on skills week, she well and truly surprised everyone.  Hard training all week paid off and she easily earned her best marks of competition.  It’s more proof that she is winning the public over with her determination.

SCORES: Jason 5.5, Robin 5.5, Emma 5.5                                TOTAL: 16.5 (5th)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: She Said

Accusations of a fake romance with partner Brianne and being given the dreaded headbanger move has made this a difficult week for Sam.  A slight mistake in the headbanger routine cost him dear and Jason’s mark shoved him off top spot.

SCORES: Jason 7.5, Robin 8.5, Emma 8.5                                TOTAL: 25.5 (2nd)

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston

Skated to: Hush Hush

Dear oh dear, this is getting embarrassing!  All of Kerry’s weaknesses were exposed in this routine; the fact being she can’t skate.  Jason Gardiner was right; her skating level is practically extinct nothing exists at all.  Kerry Katona is perhaps the worst contestant in DOI history; even Aggie Mackenzie could beat her fair and square!

SCORES: Jason 2.5, Robin 3.0, Emma 3.5                                TOTAL: 9.0 (8th)

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Skated to: Ice, Ice Baby

What is most associated with Vanilla Ice?  Of course it is his hit track Ice, Ice Baby.  Obviously it was a huge challenge to skate to his signature song but he absolutely made it work to easily give his best performance so far.  Don’t write him off yet to make a late challenge.

SCORES: Jason 7.5, Robin 7.5, Emma 7.5                              TOTAL: 22.5 (3rd)

The Result

In terms of the Ice Panel scores and public votes combined the most likely situation that was going to happen did as Kerry and Jeff ended up in the skate-off, both for the second time.

Jeff was too timid first time around and his second try was much more spot on and when Kerry slipped out of a lift in her routine, it was game over.  All three judges finally gave Kerry the long overdue boot, and a one-way ticket to Majorca.

So with the inept skater gone, the question now is who is next for the chop, it is now anyone’s game for elimination and next week won’t be made any easier of course.  Next week is yet another theme night, as Dancing on Ice goes global with each routine having a distinct flavour towards a certain country. 

Dancing on Ice 2011 - Half-term report

BY Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

WITH six weeks of the competition now gone, this week’s report is going to be slightly different as I will assess how each of the final eight skaters in the competition have progressed so far and at the close of this blog is a brief summary of Sunday’s ‘Night At The Theatre’ show.

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

He was little known at the start of the contest but Sam is now widely regarded by everyone with his near-perfect ability.  Few stars that compete in this show have the whole package, but Sam well and truly does.  The moves, the stunts, the chemistry with his pro partner Brianne; it’s going to be difficult to say he won’t win the competition.

GRADE: A+ Sam was simply born to skate; maybe he should do this instead of acting.

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Laura is also another celebrity who is regarded to not being well recognised and now has caught everyone’s attention.  The one thing that puts Laura in a different perspective than anyone else is that she is not terrified to try new and risky things and if anything goes wrong, she will work even harder to overcome it.  She is surely another star who should go all the way.

GRADE: A- Never scared to take on something new and that’s what counts for her.

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini

To be honest, I had my sincere doubts over Chloe as to whether she could cope with the ability of the competition but she has totally sprung everyone by surprise.  Like Laura, she is not afraid to tackle anything and will rarely buckle under the pressure.  She will need to perhaps put in more risky moves to really challenge Laura in the leaderboard battle, but is a joy to watch on the ice.

GRADE: A- A thrill to watch, can cope easily with any troubles.

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Vanilla Ice is also somebody who has stood up to lot of critics and proven to people that he is worth a shot on a show like this.  Something that does frustrate me is that he is so far too inconsistent.  One week, he is good and the next, he doesn’t deliver.  Regardless, he has certainly cemented his place at the front of the field.

GRADE: C+ If he can get rid of his indifferent form, the marks will shoot up.

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Jeff has so far underachieved by many people’s expectations.  He started off struggling with the pressures of the competition and a save through the ‘Ice Pick’ has seen him take notice and improve well.  The only question now is can he keep up with recent revival of form?

GRADE: C+ Poor start but has certainly picked it up in recent weeks.

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Nobody knew who Johnson was before he began as he hadn’t been in any form of celebrity work. So, considering that he couldn’t skate at all when training began, he has put in the effort and to be fair, he deserves to still be around.

GRADE: B+ He is the surprise package so far and he is still capable of more.

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston

Kerry knew from the start that it wasn’t going to be easy, having just come from the brink of a shattered reputation.  However, she must have never thought it would be this hard.  Most skaters by now should have faith to try and skate on their own but this is week six now and she still can’t do such a thing.  This proves how pathetic, lucky and lame she has gotten.

GRADE: F Kerry must try harder . . . really harder!

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Denise also doesn’t care about winning; she is just out there to enjoy the experience.  Giving credit, although her skating abilities are certainly not on par with others, she never complains, she just does the best she can.

GRADE: D- Determination means she deserves to be here but for how much longer?

Night at the Theatre

The sixth week was another of DOI’s theme nights, with a showcase of popular songs from popular West End musicals.

For once, front runner Sam struggled with the ability and choreography in his routine but of course his natural talent meant he would finish top again.  However, this time it was a shared lead with Laura who finally pulled out a performance worthy of a challenge.  It may still be a long shot, but is Laura keeps improving, who’s to say she can displace Sam at the top of the leaderboard?

Chloe and Vanilla Ice once again provided solid performances for strong scores whilst Jeff continued his improving form by matching Chloe’s score to finish joint 3rd.  Johnson and Denise also registered their highest scores so far as they continued to search for better quality in their routines.

Comedy Dave and Kerry were the two celebrities who less than impressed both the judges and the public and both had to skate again in the skate-off.  However, the judges committed suicide once again as Jason Gardiner and Emma Bunton stupidly decided to give useless Kerry another chance, overruling Robin Cousins’ decision to save Dave and professional partner, Frankie Poultney.

It’s another measure to show that some people believe that DOI is losing its magic it had before.

Regardless, the competition steps up another gear next Sunday with the ‘Ultimate Skills Test’ awaiting each of the eight remaining couples.  

Dancing on Ice 2011 - The ice pick

BY Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

This week, Dancing on Ice was turned onto its head yet again as the bombshell dropped by Robin Cousins would see the celebrities vote to save.  Would they save a friend or eliminated a rival?

First though was the all-important matter of impressing the public with their routines.

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini

Performed to: I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll

On the up from last week, Chloe continued her good run of form.  A change of character this week with a rock song and yet another risky move, in the form of the ‘Human Necklace’, were made effortless.  As the competition moves forward, everyone now certainly expects her to get even better.

Scores: Jason 6.5, Robin 6.5, Emma 6.5                                   TOTAL: 19.5 (3rd)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Performed to: One Love

An unusual occurrence this week as one of the stars actually took advice from Jason Gardiner.  Johnson put in extra training into his routine and it paid off with dividends.  The only criticism is that he needs to start picking up the pace in his performance but otherwise he is actually not proving as bad as first thought.

Scores: Jason 4.0, Robin 4.5, Emma 4.5                                   TOTAL: 13.0 (6th)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Performed to: Getting Together

This was without question the week from hell for Jeff.  Finding the competition harder than what he first thought, he also put in extra hours to prove he can go a distance in the show.  For a while it looked like it was working, until he mistimed a move, lost balance and both he and Isabelle crashed down to the ice.

Scores: Jason 4.0, Robin 4.0, Emma 4.5                                   TOTAL: 12.5 (7th)

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston

UNSPECTACULAR: Kerry needs to improve

Performed to: Disturbia

Kerry had made a solid if unspectacular start but now she had to face her biggest fear, having to start not relying on Dan all the time.  The scores seemed a tad unfair but Kerry must try harder next time otherwise she could soon slide into the danger zone.

Scores: Jason 3.0, Robin 3.5, Emma 3.5                                   TOTAL: 10.0 (Joint 10th)

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Performed to: Always

It was a challenging week for Vanilla Ice in more ways than one.  First, he had to skate to a slower song and then when in training, he suffered a nasty fall, leaving him with a stitched-up eyebrow.  It obviously affected his confidence but still he made no silly errors on the night and that’s what counts in the end.

Scores: Jason 5.5, Robin 5.0, Emma 5.5                                   TOTAL: 16.0 (5th)

Dominic Cork & Alexandra Schumann

Performed to: I Can See For Miles

After the skate-off scare, Dominic obviously worked harder to ensure he would stay out of it this time.  He did the best he could again but perhaps could have done a lot better, considering the environment of his competition and that many of them made silly errors.

Scores: Jason 3.0, Robin 4.5, Emma 3.5                                   TOTAL: 11.0 (Joint 8th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Performed to: Whenever, Wherever

TOUGH: Laura is made of stern stuff

Laura was yet another celebrity that seemed to be buckling under the pressure.  Although most of her performance came together when it mattered most, she had an uneasy stumble into her daring ‘Wrist Ripper’ move but somehow managed to stay upright.  A tough week without doubt but she will be pleased to have got over it in one peace.

Scores: Jason 7.5, Robin 6.0, Emma 6.5                                   TOTAL: 20.0 (2nd)

Jennifer Metcalfe & Sylvain Longchambon

Performed to: Anyone Who Had a Heart

This was Jennifer’s chance to prove she can really give true passion into a routine.  Stressful week in training didn’t help and although it was good on the night, it didn’t live up to the standard of last week.

Scores: Jason 5.5, Robin 7.0, Emma 6.0                                   TOTAL: 18.5 (4th)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Performed to: Slow

Denise didn’t really cope with last week’s routine but Sunday was meant to be better, with a slower routine.  Sadly, it didn’t work out that way and is beginning to be left behind by the rest in skating quality.

Scores: Jason 3.5, Robin 3.0, Emma 3.5                                   TOTAL: 10.0 (Joint 10th)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

TOP: Sam was head and shoulders ahead again

Performed to: Crazy Little Thing Called Love

If anyone can cope with the pressure well at the moment, it certainly has to be Sam.  His already-known skills and growth in new moves once again played a huge part that left him head and shoulders above anyone else.  It is his competition to lose; surely he’ll strike 30.0 within the next few weeks.

Scores: Jason 8.5, Robin 8.5, Emma 8.0                                   TOTAL: 25.0 (1st)

Comedy Dave & Frankie Poultney

Performed to: Achy Breaky Heart

Dave can’t skate, fact!  Dave can’t dance well, fact!  But he is entertaining, fact!  And that’s why he is well respected on this show.  His country-themed performance was unique for the value of the few good abilities on display.  He seems to be a big hit with everyone, even Jason Gardiner at the moment!

Scores: Jason 3.0, Robin 4.0, Emma 4.0                                   TOTAL: 11.0 (Joint 8th)

The Ice Pick

In Dancing on Ice’s brand new twist, for one week only, the stars had to decide which act would have to hang up their skates for good.  They had to choose between Jeff and Dominic, perhaps the most likely to end up in this position considering the leaderboard.

FAREWELL: It was the end of the road for Dominic & Alexandra

The celebrities voted 6-3 in favour of keeping Jeff.  Chloe, Kerry, Vanilla Ice (who decided through the art of a coin toss), Laura, Jennifer and Sam backed him whereas Dominic only won the support of Johnson, Denise and Dave.  A disappointment for Dominic but perhaps Jeff had more room for improvement and in this current phase of the competition, he badly needs it.

Next week sees the show hold its first theme night of the series as the remaining ten couples perform Vegas-style routines.  When Vegas last took place on Dancing on Ice, Stefan Booth sent favourite John Barrowman crashing out of the show in 2006, following the best ever skate-off in the competition’s history.  How will this year’s crop cope with the added ability of a theme in their performance?

Dancing on Ice 2011 - The skating stars

BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment expert)

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.

The competition begins Sunday at 6:30pm, live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD.

I'm a Celebrity. . .the class of 2010

BY JASON WRIGHT
IN SEPTEMBER 2002, ITV took over ownership of a rainforest jungle in Australia and with it, launching a new reality show; I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in which famous faces, most of which sometimes use the show to revive their ailing careers are forced to spend two weeks (or three since 2006) together ambushed in the wilderness and having to complete challenging and usually disgusting tasks to win food and luxuries for camp.

Towards the end of the series, the celebrities are eliminated one by one by the viewing public, like a standard eviction on Big Brother.  The last celebrity standing is the winner and is honourably crowned as either the King or Queen of the Jungle.  To date, there have been nine winners: radio DJ Tony Blackburn (2002), cricketer Phil Tufnell (2003), singer Kerry Katona (Winter 2004), comedian Joe Pasquale (Autumn 2004), socialist Carol Thatcher (2005), singer Matt Willis (2006), comedian and actor Christopher Biggins (2007), soap actor Joe Swash (2008) and most recently, chef Gino D’Acampo last year.

Despite having received strong criticism in recent times that it usually employs celebrities that many have hardly heard of, it is still one of ITV1’s most popular programmes, usually raking in around eight million viewers per series and since the second 2004 series, it has become a stable place in the channel’s autumn/winter line-up.

This Sunday sees the launch of the tenth series.  Here is a lowdown of who is prepared to swap luxury for the trials and tribulations of jungle life this time around.  (Bookmaker’s odds to win are sourced by William Hill from November 11 2010)

Aggro Santos

Age: 22

Famous for: Solo singer and music producer

Known Phobias: Insects and Heights

Aggro may be little known to those who like music but has enjoyed success in R&B music and is still doing so today.  Being single, he obviously hopes to strike up a relationship with one of his fellow campmates.  Despite his fear of heights, Aggro claims he can keep cool under pressure and also hates cooking.

Bookmakers Odds: 16-1

Britt Ekland

Age: 68

Famous for: Starring in the Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun

Known Phobias: None

In recent times, I’m A Celebrity has resorted to getting Hollywood icons into the jungle and this year is no exception.  A legendary film actress with several big roles under her belt, including assistant to James Bond, Britt is prepared to take on everything.  She doesn’t claim to have any fears, instead relying on just what is inside.

Bookmakers Odds: 16-1

Gillian McKeith

Age: 51

Famous for: Presenter of You Are What You Eat

Known Phobias: Snakes, Water and Heights

A nutrient expert, Gillian became very popular as the host of the long running Channel 4 show, You Are What You Eat and is also an occasional panellist on ITV1’s lunchtime show, Loose Women.  She is perhaps the celebrity out of the group with the most fears but she does aim to put it behind her and conquer her fears.

Bookmakers Odds: 20-1 joint outsider

Kayla Collins

PLAYBOY: What Kayla will feature the most?

Age: 23

Famous for: Model for Playboy magazine

Known Phobias: Eating bugs and Spiders

A last minute replacement for TV presenter Gail Porter, who has said to have dropped out on ‘personal reasons’, Kayla is aiming to become the stand-out celebrity of the pack.  Having done plenty of modelling work in the US, including for Playboy magazine, there’s no doubt Kayla will be a feisty character and will ruffle a few feathers.  However, she claims to also try and make peace in the camp too. How will these claims balance out will just have to be seen.

Bookmakers Odds: 16-1

Lembit Opik

TRIALS: Expect Lembit to face lots of these in week one

Age: 45

Famous for: Member of Parliament

Known Phobias: Spiders

Lembit is most certainly one of the most talked about MP’s of recent times.  A member of the Liberal Democrats, his time in Westminster came to end when he lost his seat in the House of Commons in this year’s general election.  He has though had his critics from the form of the public, being a politician of course, so expect him to be voted to do several Bushtucker Trials in the first week.  He will want to ultimately aim to get the people who despise him onto his side.

Bookmakers Odds: 10-1

Linford Christie

REPUTATION: Linford will be looking to restore it

Age: 50

Famous for: European, World, Commonwealth and Olympic champion in 100 metres

Known Phobias: None

Linford was a great force to be reckoned with in athletics throughout the 90s, which included winning gold at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona but his time also courted controversy such as being disqualified for a false start in the Atlanta ’96 Olympic final and four years later he failed a drugs test.  Now he hopes to bring his experience of competitiveness to the jungle and claims not to be scared of anything.    Bookmakers Odds: 10-1

Nigel Havers

Age: 59

Famous for: Drama actor

Known Phobias: None

Nigel has been through some of the best roles on television in his distinguished career, including most recently, a guest stint on Coronation Street.  He reckons that by going into jungle, people will get to see the real him and that he can have a go at anything that is thrown at him.  He could well be a person that surprises experts and does well inside.

Bookmakers Odds: 6-1

Shaun Ryder

Age: 48

Famous for: Member of the band, Happy Mondays

Known Phobias: Water and Flying

Considering that he does have a fear of flying, it’s very brave that Shaun has committed himself to the challenge.  As part of the group Happy Mondays, Shaun enjoyed chart success back in the 90s and is one of those just hoping a show like this will send him straight back into the spotlight.

Bookmakers Odds: 9-2

Sheryl Gascoigne

SPOTLIGHT: Sheryl likes the attention, will it feature here?

Age: 45

Famous for: Formerly married to Paul Gascoigne

Known Phobias: Crabs

Sheryl is well known to those who follow football, having been married to Paul Gascoigne for several years until divorcing the ex-Newcastle & Rangers star last year.  She is just relenting on being a sort of a mother figure in the camp, helping out people and trying to keep peace inside the jungle.  Her phobia of crabs is very strange as there aren’t many in the Australian jungle so this should give a perfect opportunity to see what else could scare her.

Bookmakers Odds: 20-1 joint outsider

Stacey Solomon

KICKSTART; Will this launch Stacey's career?

Age: 21

Famous for: Finishing third in The X Factor last year

Known Phobias: Insects and the Dark

Ask anybody at the start of last year if they knew Stacey Solomon and nobody would have a clue.  Stacey’s great vocals, and habit for being such a chatterbox, meant she become a popular figure on The X Factor, making it all the way to the final.  Things haven’t really taken off since then but if she can overcome nerves and stick to her own character, this could be the kick she needs to get her career up and running.

Bookmakers Odds: 2-1 favourite

Once again, there is a mixed bag of celebrities ranging from the most popular to the unknown.  Of course, they may not be the only ones in the jungle as the show producers will not only have tricks up their sleeves again but they will surely bring in another one or two celebrities into the game later on the first week, the identities of which, are of course being kept a secret.

It all begins Sunday at 9:00pm, live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD.