Exclusive:
Dancing on Ice’s 2019 champion James Jordan has given his verdict on the incoming cast of celebrity competitors this year – and spills on who he thinks will do well and who will struggle
Dancing On Ice is set to make a comeback to our screens for its 17th series this weekend – with this year’s cast of competitors getting ready to put their skates on for Sunday’s show.
A variety of celebrities from reality TV stars to former athletes are set to take to the ice this series in a bid to impress the judges and get their hands on the trophy. One star who has first-hand experience of not only the show but also what it’s like to win the series is James Jordan, former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer who won the competition in 2019.
Following his Strictly and Dancing On Ice stints James, 46, has become an armchair critic, giving his verdict on performances and different aspects of the shows. And, this year, the former pro dancer has given his verdict on who he thinks could fly and who could fall in the competition.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror in association with Sky Vegas, James shared his concerns for former The Only Way Is Essex star Ferne McCann. Discussing his hopes for a woman to win this series, he said: “It would be great to have a really strong female. I was thinking about Ferne McCann. She’s only 34 but she’s very tall and I worry that she’s going to struggle.”
TV star Ferne, 34, has been partnered with professional skater Brendyn Hatfield on the skating show. Posting about her upcoming stint on the ice, Ferne shared her nerves on social media. As she posted a series of promotional snaps of DOI on her Instagram, Ferne confessed: “I’m so excited (and a little nervous!) to step onto the ice and show you all what I’ve been working so hard on. It’s been a journey of laughs, challenges, and so much growth already.
“This experience has truly pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I’m so grateful for the incredible team and my amazing skating partner @brendynhatfield for supporting me every step of the way. Ice skating is no joke!
“Let’s do this! Tune in Sunday, and cheer me on – I can’t wait to take you all on this icy adventure with me! Wish use luck.”
Ferne, who revealed she was rushed to hospital following a skating accident, is set to compete against Mollie Pearce, Sir Steve Redgrave, Sam Aston, Charlie Brooks, Josh Jones, Anton Ferdinand, Chelsee Healey, Dan Edgar, Chris Taylor and Michaela Strachan. In his chat with the Mirror, James revealed which stars he’s backing to scoop the trophy.
“There are two contestants who I’m interested in – Charlie Brooks and Molly Pearce. It’s been a long time since a female has won the show, so it would be amazing for that to happen in this series,” he said.
During his time on the show, James realised one key feature set the stronger skaters apart from those who tend not to do as well in the competition. The star explained: “I do believe that age plays a big factor in fear. When you’re younger, you’re a bit more fearless, whereas when you’re slightly older you’re constantly thinking that you’re going to break a bone if you fall. I was watching Wes Nelson during my series, who was early 20s at the time and I watched him fall but he got straight back up and laughed it off, whereas when I fell, I’d get a bad injury.
“This is why when I am looking at this year’s contestants, I kind of rule out some of the older ones from winning. It’s much easier for the younger ones because they’re more fearless.”
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