04 January 2023 , 21:00
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Dancing on Ice has released a series of first look cast photos ahead of its blockbuster 2023 series this winter.
The fresh batch of stars will take to the ice this month in the hopes of being crowned champion by the judging panel.
Among the celebrities taking part are The Wanted star Siva Kaneswaran, singer Michelle Heaton, comedian Darren Harriott, Hollyoaks star Carly Stenson, Joey Essex and TV personality The Vivienne.
Also taking part is Coronation Street's Mollie Gallagher, Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson, Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, footballer John Fashanu and EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer.
The fresh batch of stars will take to the ice this month (Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)In new look pictures, the cast of stars strike their best ice skating poses alongside their athletic professional skate partners, who have been guiding the celebrity novices from their shaky first steps to spectacular routines during weeks of training.
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The four judges – skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse – are back to give their verdicts on their routines each week and the group looked glam as they posed for photos together.
EastEnders star Patsy was the first star to be announced for the new series last year, when it was confirmed she'd be switching her new home in America for the UK.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Brendyn Hatfield. (ITV)A new addition to the 2023 line-up is world-class ice dancer Olivia Smart, while three Dancing on Ice favourites are returning – Sylvain Longchambon, who last skated in the 2019 series, Vicky Ogden and Klabera Komini who both last skated in the 2021 series.
Meanwhile, Matt Evers, who has been a part of Dancing on Ice since it launched in 2006, returns to the show alongside fellow series favourites Alexandra Schauman and husband Łukasz Różycki, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Vanessa Bauer, Tippy Packard and Colin Grafton.
Meanwhile, helming the show will once again be the This Morning duo Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
Joey Essex and Vanessa Bauer. (ITV)Yet it's not all been plain sailing in the run-up to the show, as Darren Harriott suffered a painful neck injury while training for the ITV programme.
The comedian, 34, who has starred in shows including Love Island: Aftersun, fell on the ice while practising a lift with pro skater Tippy Packard.
Taking to Instagram, Darren explained he'd been left with whiplash as a result of the accident and was unable to lift his arm or turn his head.
Tippy Packard and Darren Harriott. (ITV)"Soooooo... I fell backwards yesterday on the ice near the end of my lesson and I now have whiplash," he told his followers.
"I can't turn my head properly or raise my left arm. This is a big week for everyone on Dancing on Ice because it's promo filming and show-and-tell so I'm gutted."
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However, sounding more upbeat, the comic added: "I need a few days to bring down the inflammation and then it's back to 'Spice on ice' with my amazing partner."
Mollie Gallagher and Sylvain Longchambon. (ITV)Elsewhere on the ice, Love Island winner Ekin-Su has credited boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti for helping her practice and avoiding injuries.
While celebs including Joey Essex have suffered broken fingers ahead of the new series in January, Ekin-Su is impressing trainers.
"I've not even fallen on the floor yet," she says proudly. "I haven't broken a finger like Joey. I've not had an injury yet, which is a bit weird. I was ready to fall. It's a bit like ballet."
Siva Kaneswaran and Klabera Komini. (ITV)She joked of her impressive balance skills: "Honey, I'm training in the bed."
Ekin-Su met Dancing on Ice host Holly Willoughby at last year’s Pride of Britain ceremony and tapped her up for some tips.
"Holly said: 'Keep training, put the hours in and you'll be great,'" she said. "I won't forget that."
The Wanted 's Siva Kaneswaran has admitted "I'm falling down all the time," while Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton had an "epic fall". She said: "Definitely winded myself and my coccyx is not very happy with me but hey ho."
Dancing on Ice returns Sunday 15th January, 6:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX