Dancing On Ice has confirmed that it will be returning to screens on January 17.
ITV reassured fans on Wednesday that the hit show will be back as planned to provide some evening entertainment throughout the latest lockdown.
The news comes amid claims the celebs and their professional skating partners were concerned about the risk of coronavirus hitting the show and it being cancelled.
Almost time! Dancing On Ice has confirmed that it will be returning to screens as planned on January 17 (pictured, contestant Myleene Klass)
Confirming the return of the hit show, 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.’
The show’s airing date of January 17 had previously been revealed just before Christmas and ahead of the latest lot of restrictions for the pandemic.
Stars attempting to impress with their new-found skating abilities include Myleene Klass, Billie Faiers, Denise Van Outen, Sonny Jay and Jason Donovan.
Get ready! The hit show will see celebrities including Myleene Klass, Billie Faiers (pictured), Denise Van Outen, Sonny Jay and Jason Donovan try to impress on the ice
Confirmation of the show’s return also comes after a source claimed that although the series will be returning, things might not be as smooth as usual in the buildup.
The celebrity cast and professional skaters are also reportedly concerned that COVID-19 could interfere with filming and cause the show to be cancelled.
A source told The Sun: ‘Everyone is worried to be honest. They can’t practise and the celebs are nowhere near the standard they usually are.
‘There’s people scrambling around backstage with no real idea how it’s going to come together. It’s a bit of a mess!’
All set: The date of January 17 had previously been revealed just before Christmas and ahead of the latest lot of restrictions for the pandemic (pictured, the confirmation on Wednesday)
Despite the concern, the source said the cast and crew were very pleased with all the rules brought in to try and avoid coronavirus hitting filming.
An ITV spokesperson said: ‘We have stringent protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of all our contributors and staff which are routinely monitored and updated to reflect the current guidelines.
‘We’re in constant contact with our entire cast in training and there have been no concerns raised.
‘ITV takes the safety and welfare of everyone involved with its programmes extremely seriously and follows all government guidelines regarding Covid-19.
‘The government has confirmed TV production can carry on throughout lockdown.’
Back at it! Denise Van Outen and Myleene were back to Dancing On Ice training just two days after the Christmas festivities as they posed with Lady Leshurr and Sonny Jay
In addition, the Dancing On Ice cast have had regular coronavirus tests throughout their time training in preparation for the competition.
Ahead of the show’s impending return several of the stars have been seen hitting the ice rink to get some last-minute practice in.
Joe-Warren Plant and Vanessa Bauer updated fans on their first rehearsal in three weeks on Wednesday as they got back too it after the Christmas break.
While elsewhere it has been reported that celebs are hoping to nab themselves the best stylists on the crew ahead of the series launch.
They’re back! Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby once again return to present the show (pictured during the 2020 series)
Hard at work: Joe-Warren Plant and Vanessa Bauer also shared a glimpse of their rehearsal to Instagram Stories on Wednesday
The likes of Becky Vardy, Myleene, Denise, Billie, Lady Leshurr and Faye Brookes, are all ‘competing to snap up the best’ of the bunch, according to The Sun.
A source told the publication: ‘Everyone wants to look their best and the show spends thousands on the industry’s best coiffeurs.
Skating pro Matt Evers has also revealed that ITV bosses have introduced more mental health support on the show following Caroline Flack’s tragic death last year.
Matt, 44, said on the Keep Calm And Carry On podcast on Tuesday that those behind-the-scenes were keen to ensure the celebrities and skaters were looked after during their time on the show.
Yay: Denise, 46, showed off her incredible legs in a metallic pink mini dress as she put on a playful display with partner Matt Evers in a recent promo released for the show
Caroline tragically took her life at her London home aged 40 on February 15, a day after learning the CPS would be pursuing a case of assault against her following a row with beau Lewis Burton at her home in December 2019.
Discussing the increased services provided to stars, Matt explained: ‘Now more than ever we have a lot of support.
‘We’ve always had a little bit of support, but through the tragedies that have happened, they have implemented a lot more mental support.’
Matt went on to say that as one of the show’s professionals it’s his task to become a ‘best friend, babysitter and psychologist’ for his celebrity partner, on top of also teaching them how to skate proficiently.
ITV is extremely cautious about mental health matters following a slew of tragedies of guests or hosts of some of its most popular shows.
Former Love Island contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis and host Caroline all died by suicide.
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
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!!’