Dancing on Ice 2011 - Viva Las Vegas

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

LAS VEGAS, is undoubtedly the glamour capital of the world.  Famous for its bright lights, gambling and boxing title fights, the city relocated to the Dancing on Ice rink for a special-themed night.  More pressure was also heaped on the remaining ten celebrities as this week also saw the start of the ‘Ultimate Skills’ phase which started with having to perfect an unassisted step sequence.

Jennifer Metcalfe & Sylvain Longchambon

Skated to: If I Could Turn Back Time

It had certainly been a rollercoaster start to the competition for Jennifer with several close calls and injuries.  Sunday saw again that she was not really at her best yet but still very competitive.  A few more weeks’ progress and that confidence will be fully in place.

Scores: Jason 6.0 Robin 7.0 Emma 6.0                                     TOTAL: 19.0/30.0 (5th)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Skated to: It’s Not Unusual

If there had to be one big disappointment in the show so far, it had to be Jeff.  Falling way below expectations, he needed to really now show what he was capable of.  Finally, that all came together in the performance and Jeff knows that he now needs to stay at this standard at all times to stay in the running.

Scores: Jason 5.5 Robin 7.5 Emma 7.0                                     TOTAL: 20.0/30.0 (4th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Skated to: All Coming Back To Me Now

So far Laura has shown that she can take any setbacks and pressure very well and then turn it into a spectacular performance.  There not much of that to be shown tonight but still regardless it was certainly her best performance to date.

Scores: Jason: 8.5 Robin 8.0 Emma 7.5                                    TOTAL: 24.0/30.0 (2nd)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Skated to: Wonderful

Denise isn’t a quality skater but what is good about her is that she never throws in the towel; she does give it a good go.  To back that statement, this week was certainly her best week and it will definitely prove that she slowly but surely is making progress.

Scores: Jason 4.5 Robin 4.5 Emma 4.5                                     TOTAL: 13.5/30.0 (8th)

Comedy Dave & Frankie Poultney

Skated to: Release Me

Dave should also be given credit for trying moves without making a fuss.  Certainly, this was not a perfect performance which saw partner Frankie lose grip and fall over on the ice.  From there on, the rest of the skating went downhill.

Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 4.0 Emma 4.0                                     TOTAL: 11.0/30.0 (9th)

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Skated to: Blue Suede Shoes

Vanilla Ice perhaps got the best pick out of the songs this week, as he was a massive Elvis Presley fan.  To say it was totally perfect can’t be used, but he did the song justice and made massive improvements in what had been shown in the last few weeks.  His miming of the song did annoy Jason Gardiner though!

Scores: Jason 5.5 Robin 5.0 Emma 5.5                                     TOTAL: 16.0/30.0 (6th)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Skated to: Piano Man

The surprise package so far has without question been Johnson.  He has taken constructive criticism and improved on it each week.  This week was a little disappointing as he didn’t really have enough to give in his performance.  However, this was overshadowed by an extraordinary clash between ice judge Jason Gardiner and head coach Karen Barber.  See video below;

Scores: Jason 4.0 Robin 4.0 Emma 4.0                                     TOTAL: 12.0/30.0 (7th)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: I Get a Kick Out Of You

Vegas week even had frontrunner Sam baffled as to how to put on good show.  After doing the sensible thing of seeking expert advice away from the ice, he once again delivered to everyone’s expectations.  There is no doubt the battle to win the contest will soon be over at this rate.

Scores: Jason 8.5 Robin 8.5 Emma 8.5                                     TOTAL: 25.5/30.0 (1st)

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston

Skated to: Woman in Love

Everyone can see that Kerry is having a real problem with learning to skate on her own.  However, this routine exposed this, but the fact that she isn’t trying to do it.  As an example, Denise is another celebrity who is struggling but unlike Kerry, she tries her best to cope.  This is certainly not what Kerry expected when she signed up.  Shocking!

Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 3.5 Emma 3.5                                     TOTAL: 10.0/30.0 (10th)

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini

Skated to: In the Mood

Chloe is another of the celebrities that puts in the effort and it pays off with huge dividends.  Yet again, she duly delivered when it mattered and will also take on anything that seems very risky to pull off.  She may not win but she will be around for many more weeks to come.

Scores: Jason 7.0 Robin 7.5 Emma 7.5                                     TOTAL: 22.0/30.0 (3rd)

The Result

After last week’s ‘Ice Pick’, elimination reverted to normal this week with the judges making the decision.  This week’s results proved that the public can make a huge difference in the final leaderboard.  For the first time in the show’s history, the celebrities that finished in the bottom four places in the judges scores were all saved and consigned Jennifer and Vanilla Ice into the bottom two.

Both celebrities didn’t want to leave this early and they proved it in their skate-off performances, giving the panel an extremely tough decision to make.  However, going completely against the form book, Vanilla Ice won through with the backing of all three of them.

Jennifer was shattered and left in tears over her sudden demise as Phillip Schofield, Christopher Dean and even head judge Robin Cousins lamented the public for their decision, not just to force the Hollyoaks actress out but for putting Vanilla Ice in the skate-off, as he was considered as an outside contender as well.  This is another talent show that has sprung a shock result.

The contest goes on and next week, the nine remaining stars will continue the progress in mastering the unique skills along with another themed performance, as they will be giving performances to famous West End musicals.

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 - First qualifying heat

BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment expert)

DANCING on Ice returned to ITV1 with a massive facelift, in an aim to appeal more viewers to the excitement of the show.  Armed with a brand new set, which looks bigger and more attractive, 16 new celebrities and with the show in high definition for the first time, it was time to get down to the gritty business of competing.

This year, the 16 stars have to pass a qualifying heat to compete.  Only 12 will make into the contest itself and the public would make the ultimate decision as to who it would be.  The ice panel was also reworked with just Jason Gardiner, Robin Cousins and Emma Bunton scoring the performances, now out of marks of ten, which makes sense as having a maximum score of 18 just wouldn’t work.

Here is a roundup of the eight celebrities that took to ice this weekend,

Steven Arnold & Nina Ulanova

Performed to: House of Fun

Ex-Corrie favourite Steven had the honour of kicking off DOI 2011.  As always, it is tough to go first and it proved here.  Despite the fact that it was certainly entertaining, nerves did get the better of him and it’s something he will have to get over quickly to stand a chance of staying around for a longer period.

Selected comment: “For me, you didn’t sustain the routine. I can see you were relying on your partner, but you have to be the male presence in the act.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 2, Robin 3, Emma 2              TOTAL: 7/30 (8th)

Angela Rippon & Sean Rice

Performed to: At Last

DETAILED: But it didn't save Angela from a surprising exit

Having appeared as a guest judge on the show for one week last year, it seemed weird that Angela was now competing on the show.  She does have a lot of dancing experience and this routine seemed to show it, though there were a few noticeable errors.  A polished routine if not memorable.

Selected comment: “There was serenity about the performance, the leg and hand lines are beautiful but you need to let yourself go and don't worry about attention to detail on the dancing side as much.” (Robin Cousins)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 5, Emma 3              TOTAL: 11/30 (Joint 4th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Performed to: My Life Would Suck Without You

FEARLESS: Laura Hamilton wowed everyone on week one

The Nickelodeon presenter claims to be fearless and willing to tackle anything.  This routine proved just that, although it might have been lacking in any special elements, the pace was very quick and proved her intentions in this competition.  Laura may well be in the show for the long term.

Selected comment: I'm so excited; it was fast, brave and exciting.  Like Robin said, you need to enjoy the fact that you have a lovely man who can lead you around.” (Emma Bunton)

Scores: Jason 4, Robin 6, Emma 6              TOTAL: 16/30 (1st)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Performed to: Wishing On a Star

It must have felt like a daunting experience for Johnson, little mentioned of and now preparing for something that seemed just as dangerous as his army conflicts.  Nevertheless, he actually did quite well and although he very nearly fell down in the contestants’ introduction at the start, this performance certainly made up for the mishap.

Selected comment: “The blades, moving like an ice skater.  Six years in and you are one of the most confident skaters. It was sublime.” (Robin Cousins)

Scores: Jason 2, Robin 5, Emma 4              TOTAL: 11/30 (Joint 4th)

Nadia Sawalha & Mark Hanretty

Performed to: Proud Mary

Out of all of the stars competing at the weekend, Nadia was perhaps the most nervous of all.  Her routine turned out to be one of two halves.  It started well but soon got dull and slow towards the end.  Overall, a disappointing start but there is certainly room for improvement.

Selected comment: I wouldn't say I'm entirely happy.  I think that it did start off with great potential and then you started to dance on your own and your legs looked anaesthetised and they went numb.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 3, Emma 3              TOTAL: 9/30 (7th)

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston

Performed to: Make You Feel My Love

Kerry is certainly the most talked about celebrity of this year’s line-up.  Having finally got her life back on track after several years in the doldrums, she is now aiming for redemption.  Her first performance was solid if unspectacular and there is already a connection with her partner Dan.  If she keeps this up and makes consistent improvement, Kerry will also go a long distance.

Selected comment: “What an improvement from the dress rehearsal! That was very tender and very controlled and you worked beautifully with Daniel.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 4, Robin 5, Emma 5              TOTAL: 14/30 (3rd)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Performed to: The Way Love Goes

RISING: Jeff Brazier was in control of his partner throughout

Jeff has been a rising star in TV over recent years, mainly due to his involvement with The X-Factor.  Taking part on DOI will surely enhance his career and his first performance was good.  Although there was the odd mistake now and again, you can certainly expect he will be one to watch throughout.

Selected comment: “I love the dance moves!  I'd like you to commit more to the dance moves, make your arms stronger, but I like your smile and I have to admit I have a soft spot for you.” (Emma Bunton)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 4, Emma 4              TOTAL: 11/30 (Joint 4th)

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Performed to: Word Up

Before he came onto this show, everyone had different opinions onto how Vanilla Ice would approach this competition.  His first routine proved he wants to win the show.  A lot of energy and tricks were put into it and he may well be the dark horse in the competition if he keeps this up.

Selected comment: “It was a great routine, which played to all your strengths and all your Vanilla-isms.  There was solid partnering; great lifts but I wonder how you will adapt to different styles.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 5, Robin 5, Emma 5              TOTAL: 15/30 (2nd)

The Result

For these preliminary heats, the panel was powerless as the public decided who would go into the competition proper.  The scores they gave would not work as an advantage, only acting as a guidance to the viewers.

Vanilla, Kerry, Johnson, Jeff and Steven were chosen to go through to the contest by the public, leaving an all-girl skate off between Angela, Nadia and a huge shock, top of the leaderboard Laura for the one remaining place from this heat.

In the first ever three-way skate off, each of them skated again as before whilst phone lines reopened for the public to resume voting during it.  After the votes were counted up, Laura snatched the final slot available, eliminating both Angela and Nadia.

DEMISE: Nadia's departure from the show wasn't surprising

Nadia’s exit was expected as she hadn’t really garnered much support but Angela’s was a little bit surprising given her previous dance experience.  She may have gotten much further, but with a contestant like Laura in the bottom three, there was always only going to be one winner.

In truth, Dancing on Ice 2011 has made an impressive start.  The set looks brilliant; the change in format has certainly left the contestants more under pressure so the omens are already in place for a great series.  On Sunday, Chloe Madeley, ‘Comedy’ Dave Vitty, Craig McLachlan, Denise Welch, Dominic Cork, Elen Rivas, Jennifer Metcalfe and Sam Attwater will battle for the six remaining places in the show itself.  Join me again next week for the second qualifying heat report.

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.