08 January 2023 , 21:00
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Dancing on Ice star Siva Kaneswaran has opened up about how his late bandmate Tom Parker inspired him to sign-up for the ITV talent show.
Dancing on Ice is now returning to ITV1 and ITVX with a new cast of eleven celebrities, who will embark on the ultimate celebrity talent competition as they take to the ice each week.
The Wanted star Siva is among the line-up and has now said he decided to ‘face his fears’ this year, in the wake of Tom’s death in March at the age of 33 after a year-and-a-half-long battle with stage four glioblastoma brain cancer.
He said: “Obviously, this year has been eye opening for me with Tom and witnessing his courage, which was infectious to say the least.
“It reminded me that life was worth living and to take it all and to enjoy it.
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Siva said he decided to ‘face his fears’ this year (ITV)“From that, I’ve been making decisions based on that – doing my driving test finally in Los Angeles, booking the flight I wanted to always go on, and signing up to a songwriting degree course.
“In comparison, it’s just not as scary anymore, all my fears have shrunk. I’m grateful for everything that comes at me and this is another thing that has come my way. Bring it, let’s have fun with it and put on those Spandex!”
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby return as hosts while ice royalty Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean resume their roles as judges on the ice panel alongside dancers Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse.
Ahead of the 2023 series, Siva reflected on what he is most looking forward to and said he hopes to get ‘close’ to the final and feel he has ‘achieved something’.
The fresh batch of stars will take to the ice this month (Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)He said: “Overall, I am looking forward to learning how to skate. Winning would be great! I’m looking forward to being in front of the crowd and the performance aspect.”
Among those skating live in a bid to impress both the panel and viewers at home are actress and DJ Patsy Palmer, football legend John Fashanu, Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson.
They are joined by Coronation Street ’s Mollie Gallagher, Drag Queen and TV personality The Vivienne, TV personality Joey Essex, comedian Darren Harriott, actress and West End star Carley Stenson and singer Michelle Heaton.
Guiding the celebrity novices from their shaky first steps to spectacular routines are their professional partners.
Dancing on Ice starts Sunday 15th January, 6:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX