Dancing on Ice is returning to screens in a matter of weeks for an all-new series – and it’s certainly a show which always brings the drama
Jennifer Ellison cuts her head open on Dancing on Ice in 2012
Dancing on Ice fans have watched their fair share of bust-ups, nasty injuries and television gold moments since the ITV show launched back in 2006. The rumoured line-up of celebrities taking on the ice this year includes Ferne McCann, Sir Steve Redgrave and Michaela Strachan. Ahead of the series starting, here are just a few of the most shocking things to happen to the stars and professional skaters over the years.
Phillip Schofield presented the series alongside Holly Willoughby from its conception up until May 2023. The former This Morning host stepped down from his ITV presenting roles after admitting to having an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague. Phillip, now 62, was soon replaced by Stephen Mulhern, who hosted the programme last year alongside Holly. The dynamic duo will resume their hosting duties when Dancing on Ice hits screens in February.
Last year’s series was not all smooth sailing for the celebrities, especially for British track and field athlete Greg Rutherford. The now 38-year-old was all set for the final with his pro partner Vanessa James, when disaster struck. He had to be rushed to hospital after he accidentally ripped open his stomach with a skate and tore his abs. When he was recovering in hospital, he told his followers on Instagram: “I effectively gave myself a C-section.”
One of the most grizzly injuries happened back in 2012 when actress Jennifer Ellison sliced her head open after conducting a scorpion kick on the ice. Paramedics had to rush to her aid as blood started gushing from the back of her head.
Another horrific moment was in 2021 when Rebekah Vardy accidentally sliced her partner’s, Andy Buchanan, face open with her ice skate during rehearsals. The pro dancer had to be rushed to hospital after being slashed across the cheek. Following the incident, she said: “It was quite scary. But it brings back the realisation that what we’re doing is really bl**dy dangerous.”
Perhaps one of the worst accidents that happened to a pro skater was in the inaugural series when ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman attempted a dangerous headbanger with his partner Pam O’Connor. During their routine, David dropped Pam, and she split her chin open on the ice. She required stitches in hospital but went on to skate with David later on in the series. However, that move, where a partner holds the other by the ankles with their face just inches from the ground, is now banned from the show.
What reality show wouldn’t be complete without a spat? During the 2019 series, TOWIE legend Gemma Collins clapped back at judge Jason Gardiner following a savage critique after one routine. Jason criticised Gemma’s lack of elegance on the ice and she accused him of selling stories about her to the press.
After calling her lazy, he later said: “She came out and did what can only be described as one of the most painful routines I’ve ever had to sit through because it looked so uncomfortable.”
An awkward moment happened ahead of the 2020 series starting when rumours started swirling that Love Island star Maura Higgins ‘stole’ fellow islander Amber Gill’s spot. Love Island winner Amber was one of the first names reported to be in the 2020 series, but Maura ended up appearing on the show.
Amber explained to The Sun: “I didn’t realise I had a place to lose, to be honest.” Addressing the hearsay at The Mirror’s Animal Hero Awards, Maura told us: “I mean, I know a lot of people went for castings for the show, but I was lucky enough to get it.”
Another ‘swap’ happened in the 2020 series after Caprice Bourret switched partners from Hamish Gaman after she made bullying claims against him. The American model later quit the show entirely.
Her rep told the Daily Mail: “It’s true that Caprice is no longer participating in Dancing On Ice . It’s been a hard few months and she’s had to keep silent for contractual reasons. Her mental wellbeing has been affected over the last two months and recent stories leaked to the press are not only salacious but extremely hurtful. Now she’s taking some time to recover and look after herself and her family.”
Dancing on Ice has not been without its romance rumours either. In 2023, TOWIE’s Joey Essex left viewers cringing after he appeared to lean in for a kiss with his pro partner Vanessa Bauer at the end of their High School Musical routine. Vanessa swerved his kiss and looked shocked before the judges delivered their comments.
A split which will go down in Dancing on Ice history was when Love Island’s Megan Barton Hanson and Wes Nelson broke up following his time on the show in 2019. Megan was reportedly devastated when Wes’ partner Vanessa confirmed she’d broken up with her long-term boyfriend on the day of his debut performance with her. Megan claimed Vanessa’s split was “tactical” to make headlines.
The OnlyFans model later admitted she was just acting jealous, but two weeks after her outburst, Megan announced she and Wes had parted ways.
Another couple who caught everyone’s attention was Loose Women star Denise Welch and her ex-husband Tim Healy during the 2011 series. When Jason on the judging panel branded Denise’s skating “abysmal,” Tim shot up from his seat to confront the outspoken star. Denise yelled, “Sit down,” as she tried to calm Tim down during a particularly dramatic episode.
Dancing On Ice 2025 starts on Sunday 12th February on ITV1 and ITVX.
