Dancing on Ice 2011 - The world tour

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

DANCING on Ice covered the globe this week as the seven remaining couples all had routines inspired by a certain nation.  There was drama though before the show got underway as regular host Holly Willoughby was struck down with a migraine and was forced to miss the show.  So at the eleventh hour, former contestant and fellow This Morning regular Coleen Nolan stood in alongside Phillip Schofield.

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Skated to: Upside Down

Country Inspired By: USA

Flying high from going to top of the leaderboard last week, all eyes were on Laura to continue on the top form.  Though this performance seemed weaker than the last few weeks, it was still very impressive and strong enough to earn strong scores and comments from the judges.

SCORES: Jason 8.0 Robin 8.0 Emma 8.5                                   TOTAL: 24.5 (2nd)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Skated to: When I Need You

Country Inspired By: Austria

After a disappointment of the skate-off outing last week, Jeff had to bounce back to the recent form he had shown.  He did just that, combining the quality and quantity of the performance together to earn his best score.  He could still be in it for a few weeks yet.

SCORES: Jason 7.0 Robin 7.5 Emma 8.0                                   TOTAL: 22.5 (4th)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Skated to: Let’s Get Loud

Country Inspired By: Brazil

The question was for Denise, could she keep up the form she discovered last week?  Sadly, the answer was no.  Although it seemed passionate and well laid out, the overall presentation just lacked in all directions. 

SCORES: Jason 4.5, Robin 5.0, Emma 5.0                                TOTAL: 14.5 (Joint 6th)

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Skated to: Like I Love You

Country Inspired By: Spain

This was perhaps the best chance yet for Vanilla to show true passion and determination together into his performance.  When it mattered the most, he did just that and although there was the odd error or two, it was still relatively clean throughout.

SCORES: Jason 7.0, Robin 7.0, Emma 7.5                                TOTAL: 21.5 (5th)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: Riverdance

Country Inspired By: Ireland

This was the week that Sam well and truly had to return to form if he wanted to stay as the strong favourite in the competition.  A Riverdance-themed routine did just the trick and rightfully earned the highest marks of the series to date.  It looks like he is back on track.

SCORES: Jason 9.0, Robin 9.0, Emma 9.0                                TOTAL: 27.0 (1st)

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenezini

Skated to: Kiss Kiss

Country Inspired By: India

Something that has been lacking in Chloe’s performances of recent was both pace and not being able to show a sexier side but in this Bollywood-style dance; both were easily be able to be incorporated.  With the likes of Denise and Johnson getting through on high votes however, it certainly isn’t right to say that she is safe at this stage.

SCORES: Jason 7.5, Robin 7.5, Emma 8.5                                TOTAL: 23.5 (3rd)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Skated to: She Drives Me Crazy

Country Inspired By: Argentina

No matter how much stick he can get, Johnson does at least try to make a decent effort at the task in hand.  On this occasion though, it was a total letdown as he didn’t warm to the style of routine at all and hardly looked like he was enjoying it.  A testing experience, just how much longer can he cope?

SCORES: Jason 4.5, Robin 5.0, Emma 5.0                                TOTAL: 14.5 (Joint 6th)

The Result

As always, one thing is certain on Dancing on Ice, never underestimate the power of the public.  It was shown tonight as strugglers Denise and Johnson once again were saved by the voters and consigned Vanilla Ice and Laura into the bottom two.  

     Both easily improved on their first attempts but considering that Laura was a strong contender, this decision was a no-brainer for the judges, Laura had to be saved and Vanilla Ice was frozen out. Shame, but as mentioned these things can well and truly happen on this show.

     The remaining six skaters will face another new twist in next week’s show which on this occasion is being kept firmly under wraps for Sunday.  This is the part of the contest now when the celebrities have to perform to their ability and the public must save the strongest.

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 - 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 final 12

BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment expert)

The final twelve celebrities had been chosen and now the competition proper of Dancing on Ice began.  The judges were back in the game with their scores counting towards the overall result, the return of half marks (still going up to 10.0) and now having complete control in the skate-off.

Here is a look at how the twelve stars coped last Sunday.

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Skated to: Minnie the Moocher

Taking advice on what Jason Gardiner had said in his qualifying heat, Ice attempted to prove he can adapt to slow-paced routines.  This performance though wasn’t captivating enough, although he at least managed not to make any silly errors.

Scores: Jason 5.0 Robin 6.0 Emma 5.0                     TOTAL: 16.0 (5th)

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini

Skated to: The Climb

Chloe made a huge impression in her first performance so it was going to be a bit of a challenge to keep it up.  Overcome with concern over having been given the difficult ‘Frog Lift’ move to execute, bearing in mind this stunt eliminated singer Sinitta last year on Week 1, this certainly wasn’t going to be easy.  However, she held her nerve and not only pulled it off but took it to new heights.  She is one to watch out for.

Scores: Jason 5.5 Robin 7.0 Emma 6.5                     TOTAL: 19.0 (4th)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Skated to: Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!

There did seem to be a bit of confusion when Denise skated out without her partner but it was all part of an elaborate plan as Matt emerged out from a row of back-up skaters.  That was sadly as good as it got as the routine itself showed no progress made from her first performance.

Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 3.0 Emma 3.0                     TOTAL: 9.0 (11th)

Dominic Cork & Alexandra Schumann

Skated to: Feel

Dominic is already displaying two sides to his performances.  After his qualifier last week was criticised for not having much content, the former cricketer made sure this was the case on Sunday.  The reference to having two sides are that although it’s not up to the standard, he really is trying and that should still give him loads of confidence.

Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 4.5 Emma 4.0                     TOTAL: 11.5 (8th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Skated to: All the Lovers

The first qualifying heat proved that being top of the judges’ leaderboard doesn’t necessarily save you from the skate-off and Laura proved this theory.  Sunday night was the aim to win huge support from the public and so her routine was packed full of new elements of which she passed with flying colours.  Laura will probably be someone who will split support; you will love her or hate her.

Scores: Jason 6.0 Robin 6.5 Emma 7.0                     TOTAL: 19.5 (Joint 2nd)

Steven Arnold & Nina Ulanova

Skated to: Rhythm of the Night

Steven is fast becoming the new Todd Carty, a man who can’t skate if his life depended on it yet is adored by the public for his efforts.  To give benefit to the doubt, some improvement was made but very little.  Experts will scorn that he is not taking it seriously and that he just doing it for the moral support.

Scores: Jason 2.0 Robin 2.5 Emma 2.5                     TOTAL: 7.0 (12th)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Skated to: I Want You Back

After making a solid start in qualifying, Jeff’s second performance was very timid.  He made several key mistakes, lost marks and received plenty of criticism.  Whilst his hit back at Jason Gardiner was something of a highlight, it seemed to spark controversy from everyone else.

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

Comedy Dave & Frankie Poultney

Skated to: The Way You Look Tonight

Having proved some doubters wrong last time in proving he was able to skate, Comedy Dave went out this week to now prove he can make the odd improvement now and again.  Unfortunately, the build-up promised in this performance didn’t materialise but once again, praise has to go to him for trying.

Scores: Jason 2.5 Robin 3.5 Emma 3.5                     TOTAL: 9.5 (10th)

Jennifer Metcalfe & Sylvain Longchambon

Skated to: California Gurls

The competition had got off to a horrible start for Jennifer, having made it through by the skin of her teeth in the qualifier and was then dealt a further blow when a horrible fall in final rehearsal just hours before the live show resulted in her leg thigh being cut open.  After being patched up and given the all clear to skate, she went out there and delivered a masterful performance.

Scores: Jason 6.0 Robin 7.0 Emma 6.5                     TOTAL: 19.5 (Joint 2nd)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: Stop and Stare

In recent years, the celebrity that gets the highest marks in their first performance usually goes on to win.  With that theory in mind, the omens are certainly looking good for Sam.  This routine really did justify that fact and finished up streets ahead of the rest on the leaderboard.  This could well and truly turn into ‘The Sam Attwater Show’ at this rate.

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

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Skated to: I’m Into Something Good

It was certainly a huge baptism of fire for Johnson, launching himself into the public spotlight two weeks ago and to give credit, it was a good performance.  He kept up the momentum in this performance, considering he was still recovering from a broken finger.  If Johnson keeps this up, he may become a surprise contender.

Scores: Jason 4.0 Robin 4.5 Emma 4.0                     TOTAL: 13.0 (7th)

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston

Skated to: Respect

Kerry is one of those who will perhaps take the time she needs to learn something new.  Some emphasis on this fact was shown in this routine but once again, the partnership between her and Dan is very strong.  There will be no doubt she will go a distance but how far is yet to say.

Scores: Jason 4.0 Robin 5.0 Emma 5.0                     TOTAL: 14.0 (6th)

The Result

Getting a high score with the judges was now crucial to survive the skate-off.  If not, they had to rely on a strong fanbase to get them through.  In the end Dominic and Steven would have to go head-to-head to stay in the show.

The judges made the final decision for the first time this year and unsurprisingly, all three opted to keep Dominic in the competition.  It was good while it lasted for Steven but a little surprising that he went now, considering his popularity; you would have thought he would last longer.  Jason Gardiner however was less sympathetic and caused more outrage by saying “I’m disappointed it isn’t a double eviction tonight” before casting his vote.  Sometimes that bloke goes too far.

Attention will now turn to this Sunday’s show with a surprise twist.  Whatever it is, it will no doubt be designed to shake up the competition.  We will find how that will work on Sunday, and I will return next week at the same time for the week’s 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.