Who are Dancing on Ice finalists Nile Wilson and Olivia Smart? A look at the lives of 2 Olympians

Nile Wilson will soon battle it out to be crowned Dancing On Ice champion as he takes to the rink with partner Olivia Smart for the last time.

The duo will take on Joey Essex with partner Vanessa Bauer, while The Vivienne is teamed with Colin Grafton.

Former gymnast Nile, 27, won a bronze medal in the men’s horizontal bar at the 2016 Summer Olympics, while Sheffield born Olivia skated for Spain in the Beijing games.

Nile previously revealed he was inundated with support from Dancing On Ice fans after discussing his mental health and addiction troubles on the show.

He explained how he sunk into a deep depression when he was forced into retirement after suffering an injury. 

He subsequently needed neck surgery in February 2019, and went on to deal with his resulting depression by partying, drinking and gambling. 

Big night: Nile Wilson will soon battle it out to be crowned Dancing On Ice champion as he takes to the rink with partner Olivia Smart for the last time

Sportsman: Former gymnast Nile, 27, won a bronze medal in the men's horizontal bar at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Sportsman: Former gymnast Nile, 27, won a bronze medal in the men’s horizontal bar at the 2016 Summer Olympics 

Beach babe: Meanwhile Sheffield born Olivia skated for Spain in the Beijing games

While he may no longer compete professionally he continues to train in the gym sharing updates to his social media.

He is usually shirtless as he builds up a sweat the snaps and his large olympic ring back tattoo is often visible.

Nile also keeps fans up to date with his love life and shares romantic snaps with girlfriend Hermione, who is believed to have been dating since late last year.

He has previously dated fitness enthusiast and vlogger Gabrielle Paige as well as Cirque Du Soleil star Emily McCarthy.

Meanwhile Olivia, 25, came eighth at the winter Olympics alongside professional partner Adrián Díaz.

After years of competing together in May Adrian retired from skating, with Spanish citizen Olivia later teaming up with German skater Tim Dieck. 

While it’s unclear if gorgeous Olivia has a partner she regularly stuns her social media followers with stylish snaps as she travels the world.

Sunday’s show will kicking off at 6:30pm and running for an hour and a half on Sunday 12 March, the live final will see judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse return to the panel to cast their votes once more.

Sportsman: Nile explained how he sunk into a deep depression when he was forced into retirement after suffering an injury - pictured, far right with gold medalist Fabian Hambuechen (C) of Germany, silver medalist Danell Leyva (R)

Sportsman: Nile explained how he sunk into a deep depression when he was forced into retirement after suffering an injury – pictured, far right with gold medalist Fabian Hambuechen (C) of Germany, silver medalist Danell Leyva (R)

Strength: While he may no longer compete professionally he continues to train in the gym sharing updates to his social media

Strength: While he may no longer compete professionally he continues to train in the gym sharing updates to his social media

Date night: Nile also keeps fans up to date with his love life and shares romantic snaps with girlfriend Hermione, who is believed to have been dating since late last year (pictured together)

Date night: Nile also keeps fans up to date with his love life and shares romantic snaps with girlfriend Hermione, who is believed to have been dating since late last year (pictured together) 

Nile Wilson – 1/4 odds

Leading the pack, Nile is the online bookmakers favourite to win this years competition by landslide, with an 80% probability.

After scoring a perfect 10 from each judge and bagging a full 40/40 mark for his performance last week, the Olympian has provided a number of breath-taking routines throughout the series.

According to Betvictor, Nile’s odds to win are 1/4 – putting him in the top spot for a win.

With 2-time Scottish champion skater Daniel King sharing: ‘Nile certainly seems to be the favourite for the judges.

‘Although all three of the finalist’s performances are at a similar level. There aren’t many points between 38, 39 and 40. So I think it will all depend on the public vote.’

The three finalists are all set to perform a bolero routine, with Nile sharing this week: ‘We’ve got some exciting stuff in store this week. It’s a huge production.

Skater:Meanwhile Olivia  came eighth at the winter Olympics alongside professional partner Adrián Díaz (pictured)

Nomad: While it's unclear if gorgeous Olivia has a partner she regularly stuns her social media followers with stylish snaps as she travels the world

Nomad: While it’s unclear if gorgeous Olivia has a partner she regularly stuns her social media followers with stylish snaps as she travels the world

Competition: Her social media is full of her competing in competitions

Competition: Her social media is full of her competing in competitions 

As Joey, Nile and The Vivienne remain the last three celebrities standing, who is predicted to win this series?

The Vivienne – 5/1 odds

Despite suffering a nasty fall during the solo skate challenge in the show’s semi-final, The Vivienne is predicted to bag second place.

Trailing miles behind the expected winner, this prediction is still a massive ray of hope for the drag queen, who was previously predicted third. 

With odds of 5/1 as of March 8, this is a last-minute switch up for the RuPaul’s Drag Race star, who was previously trailing behind Joey Essex.

This means that there is a 16.7% chance it could be The Vivienne holding that trophy.

Speaking ahead of the performance during an appearance on Good Morning Britain this week, the star shared: ‘The bolero is something that changed history. I might be paying homage to Jayne with my costume.

Who will win Dancing On Ice 2023? Joey Essex, The Vivienne and Nile are all set to battle it out during this week's final

Who will win Dancing On Ice 2023? Joey Essex, The Vivienne and Nile are all set to battle it out during this week’s final

Winner? Olympian Nile could be headed for a landslide victory as the odds appear to be firmly in his favour

Winner? Olympian Nile could be headed for a landslide victory as the odds appear to be firmly in his favour

‘We want to pay homage to Chris and Jayne. The pressure is on when you’re skating it in front of the people who created it.’ 

Joey Essex – 7/1 odds 

Joey has been bumped off the no.2 spot after previously being the outright second favourite to win.

Now with 7/1 odds, the former TOWIE star trails at a still-impressive predicted third place – a 12.5% chance of winning according to BetVictor.

The TV personality has already revealed what fans can expect to see from him during the final, sharing this week that he and Vanessa will pay snag some of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s moves during their bolero.

Winning gold at the 1984 Winter Olympics with the routine, the professional dancers have given Joey and his partner some inspiration.

Admitting that the final bout of training has been hardcore, Joey shared: ‘I feel like I’m training for the Olympics. I’ve not done anything, I’ve not gone out, I’ve been dedicated to this competition.’ 

 

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