Denise Van Outen shows off her moves ahead of the Dancing On Ice launch

The hit ITV series is returning on Sunday amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

And Denise Van Outen got stuck into Dancing On Ice rehearsals on Saturday as she showed off her skating moves.

Although, the presenter and performer, 46, left her professional partner Matt Evers in hysterics as she appeared to take a tumble on the ice at one stage.

Work it! Denise Van Outen got stuck into Dancing On Ice rehearsals on Saturday as she showed off her skating moves

Denise showed off her toned figure in neon leopard print leggings which she teamed with a cosy black zip-up top.

The TV star left her blonde locks loose in a relaxed hairdo and appeared to go makeup-free as she flashed a smile.

Professional skater, Matt, 44, looked stylish in an all-black ensemble although he injected a pop of colour with a red striped jacket.

The duo appeared in great spirits as they pulled a series of impressive moves on the ice rink ahead of the first show.

Oops! Although, the presenter and performer, 46, left her professional partner Matt Evers in hysterics as she appeared to take a tumble on the ice at one stage

Oops! Although, the presenter and performer, 46, left her professional partner Matt Evers in hysterics as she appeared to take a tumble on the ice at one stage

Sensational: Denise showed off her toned figure in neon leopard print leggings which she teamed with a cosy black zip-up top

Sensational: Denise showed off her toned figure in neon leopard print leggings which she teamed with a cosy black zip-up top

Although at one stage, Denise left Matt in hysterics as she appeared to take a tumble and she animatedly lay sprawled out on the ice. 

Only recently, the presenter spoke about her upcoming debut on Dancing On Ice and said she was hoping the show will help prevent ‘the old middle-aged spread’.

She quipped: ‘I never used to do any exercise years ago and I do now. I’m 46 and I want to keep my body in shape, tone my bum and thighs and prevent the old middle-aged spread!’

Talking about her dancing skills, Denise joked that she is a ‘very good dancer in my kitchen after a few glasses of wine’.

Fun: The TV star left her blonde locks loose in a relaxed hairdo and appeared to go makeup-free as she flashed a smile

It's back! The hit ITV series is returning on Sunday amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Fun: The TV star left her blonde locks loose in a relaxed hairdo and appeared to go makeup-free as she flashed a smile

Practice makes perfect! The duo appeared in great spirits as they pulled a series of impressive moves on the ice rink ahead of the first show

Practice makes perfect! The duo appeared in great spirits as they pulled a series of impressive moves on the ice rink ahead of the first show

Helping hand: Although at one stage, Denise left Matt in hysterics as she appeared to take a tumble and she animatedly lay sprawled out on the ice

Helping hand: Although at one stage, Denise left Matt in hysterics as she appeared to take a tumble and she animatedly lay sprawled out on the ice

She said: ‘I would say I was a dancer in my youth and the last time I danced was on Strictly which was in 2012. I’m a very good dancer in my kitchen after a few glasses of wine but that’s as far as it goes and I’ve never taken it to the rink! 

‘I think if I can master the skating then the old dancing ability will hopefully come back and I can marry the two and hopefully be elegant and graceful… rather than disgraceful.’

The new series of Dancing On Ice will see the judges protected by perspex screens and no studio audience amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Newly released images of the ITV show’s studios last week saw large screens placed in front of the judges chairs to shield Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

Stylish: Professional skater, Matt, 44, looked stylish in an all-black ensemble although he injected a pop of colour with a red striped jacket

Stylish: Professional skater, Matt, 44, looked stylish in an all-black ensemble although he injected a pop of colour with a red striped jacket

Fitness: Only recently, the presenter spoke about her upcoming debut on Dancing On Ice and said she was hoping the show will help prevent 'the old middle-aged spread'

Fitness: Only recently, the presenter spoke about her upcoming debut on Dancing On Ice and said she was hoping the show will help prevent ‘the old middle-aged spread’

Showing off her moves: Talking about her dancing skills, Denise joked that she is a 'very good dancer in my kitchen after a few glasses of wine'

Showing off her moves: Talking about her dancing skills, Denise joked that she is a ‘very good dancer in my kitchen after a few glasses of wine’

The judging panel will also be sat far apart, keeping in line with social distancing measures.

For the first time in its history the studio at Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire will have no audience, a move mirroring that of Strictly Come Dancing.

The skating celebrities will also watch each other perform from socially-distanced tables to keep everyone safe from COVID-19.   

A source told The Sun: ‘Everyone needs a bit of glitz and glamour in their lives right now and TV shows are doing their best to stay on air and be safe.  

She quipped: ' I never used to do any exercise years ago and I do now.'

Denise added: 'I'm 46 and I want to keep my body in shape, tone my bum and thighs and prevent the old middle-aged spread!'

She quipped: ‘ I never used to do any exercise years ago and I do now. I’m 46 and I want to keep my body in shape, tone my bum and thighs and prevent the old middle-aged spread!’

Denise also revealed: 'I would say I was a dancer in my youth and the last time I danced was on Strictly which was in 2012.'

Denise also revealed: ‘I would say I was a dancer in my youth and the last time I danced was on Strictly which was in 2012.’

‘ITV showed they could do it with I’m A Celebrity and now they’re doing it again with Dancing On Ice.

‘They’ve made big changes to the studio, including the judging panel and audience, and hope this, as well as their daily vigilance, will be enough to keep it on air.’

Dancing On Ice recently confirmed that it will be returning to screens on January 17.

ITV reassured fans last Wednesday that the show will be back as planned to provide some entertainment during the latest lockdown, however a few new precautions will be in place including perspex dividers between the judges and no audience. 

Hilarious: 'I'm a very good dancer in my kitchen after a few glasses of wine but that's as far as it goes and I've never taken it to the rink!' the star jokingly added

Hilarious: ‘I’m a very good dancer in my kitchen after a few glasses of wine but that’s as far as it goes and I’ve never taken it to the rink!’ the star jokingly added 

She added: 'I think if I can master the skating then the old dancing ability will hopefully come back and I can marry the two and hopefully be elegant and graceful… rather than disgraceful.'

Yay! Dancing On Ice recently confirmed that it will be returning to screens on January 17

She added: ‘I think if I can master the skating then the old dancing ability will hopefully come back and I can marry the two and hopefully be elegant and graceful… rather than disgraceful.’

Confirming the return of the hit series, ITV tweeted: 'Confirmed: Dancing on Ice returns Sunday 17 January at 6pm on ITV.'

Confirming the return of the hit series, ITV tweeted: ‘Confirmed: Dancing on Ice returns Sunday 17 January at 6pm on ITV.’

The news comes amid claims the celebs and their professional skating partners were concerned about coronavirus hitting the show and it being cancelled

Confirming the return of the hit series, ITV tweeted: ‘Confirmed: Dancing on Ice returns Sunday 17 January at 6pm on ITV. 

‘Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby once again return to present the show and the expert Ice Panel of Torvill and Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo.’

Dancing On Ice 2021 starts this Sunday at 6pm on ITV. 

Back to it! 'Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby once again return to present the show and the expert Ice Panel of Torvill and Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo.'  they added

Back to it! ‘Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby once again return to present the show and the expert Ice Panel of Torvill and Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo.’  they added 

Studio first look: The new series of Dancing On Ice will see the judges protected by perspex screens and no studio audience amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Studio first look: The new series of Dancing On Ice will see the judges protected by perspex screens and no studio audience amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Dancing On Ice 2021: Who are the celebrities?

 MYLEENE KLASS 

 

Age: 42 

Profession: Musician and radio host 

Myleene says: ‘My girls have always wanted me to do this but I’ve always been too scared someone will skate over my fingers!’ 

JASON DONOVAN

Age: 52

Profession: Actor and singer, best know for playing Scott Robinson in Neighbours 

Jason says: ‘To be able to learn a skill and spend some time focused is quite exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys.’

FAYE BROOKES 

 

Age: 33

Profession: Actress best known for her role as Kate Connor in Coronation Street

Faye says: ‘I’m so excited! The producers get to know you and this is the first time I think people are just going to see me, not being a character… Just being me – Faye!’

COLIN JACKSON

Age: 53

Profession: Former sprint and hurdling athlete, who has since carved out a career as a TV personality

Colin says: ‘You go out there, you enjoy yourself and you learn a new skill and to hone the skill of skating will just be a huge, huge plus. I’m looking forward to it.’

REBEKAH VARDY 

Age: 38

Profession: TV personality

Rebekah says: ‘I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into that. I’m going to give my 100% effort for it all.’

 RUFUS HOUND 

 Age: 41

Profession: Comedian

Rufus says: ‘I’m doing it for the money. I don’t know if you’ve heard but about six months ago this global pandemic hit and made just about everything I’ve ever done to earn a pound note disappear!’  

DENISE VAN OUTEN  

 

Age: 46 

Profession: Performer and presenter, best known for The Big Breakfast  

Denise says: ‘I’m really excited. Finally, I get to tell people. I’ve kept this a secret from most of my friends and family. Betsy [her daughter] doesn’t even know….’

SONNY JAY 

 

Age:  27

Profession: Singer and radio presenter, best known for his daily Breakfast Show on Capital Radio

Sonny says: ‘I don’t want to fall over, not in front of the nation. I don’t want to be a meme the next day!’ 

JOE-WARREN PLANT 

 

Age: 18

Profession: Actor best known for his role as Jacob Gallagher in Emmerdale 

Joe-Warren says: ‘I’m super excited. I’m glad I have the time off Emmerdale to really focus on training…’ 

GRAHAM BELL

Age: 54

Profession: Former Olympic skier, who is also a TV presenter, adventurer and journalist

Graham says: ‘Ice doesn’t scare me, it’s the dancing… [My experience was confined to] ‘dancing on tables, wearing ski boots in après ski. It’s not graceful and elegant!’

LADY LESHURR

Age: 30

Profession: Rapper

Lady says: ‘I’m petrified, (but) I’ve always wanted to ice skate so what’s better than doing it in front of millions of people.’

 Billie Faiers

Age: 30 

Profession: Television personality 

Billie says: ‘I am soooo excited to announce that I will be taking part. I still can’t believe I am actually doing it!!’ 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk