Yahoo News Dancing on Ice 2020 line-up: Maura Higgins, Joe Swash and Caprice among the star-studded cast
After the last season’s endless news stories and debates, Dancing on Ice is returning – with a whole new cast for 2020.
The series was dogged by drama after rumours emerged that Love Island’s Wes Nelson and his partner Vanessa Bauer were secretly dating - leading to his break up with then-girlfriend and fellow Islander, Megan Barton-Hanson.
Despite Wes’s skills, former Strictly pro James Jordan – who injured himself before the final - and his partner Alexandra Schauman were announced as the winners for the 2019 competition.
The ballroom dancer was also criticised as having an advantage due to his dancing background. But he later said he was prepared for that response, telling BBC Radio 5 live: “But when I got on the ice, I actually shocked myself how bad I was. I can dance but I'm a lot older than I used to be."
This year will see 12 celebrities skating live with their professional partners in a bid to impress both the panel and the viewers, who will ultimately decide who wins the show. John Barrowman, Torvill and Dean and Ashley Banjo will be on the judging panel.
Now the series is back again, with a whole new cast of competitors. So who is confirmed for Dancing on Ice 2020?
Maura Higgins
The reality star shot to fame after starring on Love Island 2019. Since leaving the island, she has won several endorsement deals, including becoming a brand ambassador for BooHoo and has begun a podcast.
She revealed she was taking part in the programme with Michael Barrymore on This Morning. She said: "I've skated once in my life for fun, so I've no experience at all. I'm up for the challenge. I'm more excited than scared. I'm competitive so I think that will drive me."
Michael Barrymore
The former television presenter was announced as a participant in this year’s competition on This Morning. He previously hosted Strike It Lucky, which made him a household name, and also My Kind of People, which was similar to Britain’s Got Talent. He also fronted quiz show My Kind of Music, Kids Say the Funniest Things and Animals Do The Funniest Things.
He later stepped out of the limelight after the body of a man, Stuart Lubbock, was found in his swimming pool at his house after a party. Barrymore was questioned by police, who concluded he had no involvement in the death.
On joining the show, Barrymore said "I'm delighted to say that I'll be joining the Dancing on Ice line up for 2020. I'm looking forward to meeting Holly and Phil. I'm very excited...it's performance time!"
Joe Swash
Joe Swash was the ninth celebrity contestant to sign up for ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
The TV presenter revealed the news on Loose Women: “I can’t even dance on a dance floor, so Dancing On Ice is just a silly idea! I’ve done no exercise since the baby was born. Stacey thinks it’s funny. I’m going to learn how to skate and I’ll do it with a smile on my face.”
Ian 'H' Watkins
H appeared live on Good Morning Britain to confirm the news he was joining the line up.
The former Steps star has undertaken a number of acting and reality TV roles over the years, including Skins, Celebrity Big Brother and The Chase.
On joining the show, H said "What am I doing? I have frantically been You Tubing James Jordan and Ray Quinn. I have kids now so it's a skill I can learn and take my kids to the ice. It's scary and exciting and now there's no turning back.
"I know I'm going to be put through my paces and that's the name of the game."
Lisa George
The actress is best known for her role as Beth Tinker in Coronation Street. Appearing on Lorraine to confirm the news, she said: “I haven't been on the ice for about 40 years. Yesterday was my first session on the ice. It was good, I really enjoyed it, I didn't fall.
"I was a bit scared, I was quite nervous. I can't believe I'm 50 next year and I just thought 'if I don't do this now I'm never going to have the chance to do it again'."
Lucrezia Millarini
A newsreader for ITV’s lunchtime news, Millarini is trading in her daily reports for a pair of skating boots. She was announced as a contestant on the programme’s Instagram page.
She said: "I'm super excited to be joining the line up for DOI! I can't wait to get out there on the ice and start training.
"While the news agenda is already pretty busy these days, I know life is about to get a lot busier...with a few bruises along the way!"
Kevin Kilbane
The former footballer has played for a number of teams over the years including Everton, Sunderland and West Bromwich. More recently, he has been co-presenter of the Off the Ball show on Newstalk radio in Ireland and provides commentary for matches.
He confirmed he is taking part in the show on Talksport Radio. He said: "I am going on as a total novice. I'm starting from scratch here. This is going to be a massive challenge for me.
"I've been taking it easy for the last few years since I finished (football) so let's just see how this one goes."
Perri Kiely
The Diversity performer will be judged by his longterm pal and colleague Ashley Banjo, who remains on the judging panel.
The street dancer, who triumphed on Britain's Got Talent in 2009, said: “I’ve done a couple of training sessions. Not gonna lie, it’s hard. It’s game face.”
Libby Clegg
Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg was the eighth celebrity skater confirmed for the show.
She said: “After Rio I achieved my ultimate goal and then I thought ‘what else can I do?’
“This opportunity came about and I couldn’t pass it up. I love challenging myself and experiencing new things.”
Ben Hanlin
Hanlin, a magician, was the tenth celebrity to be confirmed to take part in this year’s competition.
He is best known for presenting the ITV2 series Tricked from 2013 to 2016.
Confirming the news on BBC Radio London, he said: “Can I ice skate? Barely. But I did say to the producers 'if I'm going to do this, can I try to do magic on ice?' I will try and attempt to put magic into the show if I can. We start tomorrow! On the ice for the very first time."
Trisha Goddard
The talk show host is known for her chat show, Trisha, which aired on ITV for several years before moving to Channel 5. The presenter confirmed the news on Good Morning Britain. She said: “I love physical stuff. Every day I bike ride, I weight train, I love any physical thing. I learnt to ski at 37, I learnt to roller blade at 42. I'm 62 in December. I thought 'why not?’”
Caprice
The former model and business owner was the last contestant to be confirmed on the show. She announced the news on Lorraine and said: "I've got some really big news. I'm going to be on Dancing on Ice 2020! At the moment no nerves. I'm excited more than anything."
Last month she was a finalist on series two of 5Star programme Celebs on the Ranch. It involves celebrities spending ten days on a farm and learning how to care for the animals.
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