Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

As someone who has been a part of the television industry for over two decades, I must say that the news about Dancing On Ice coming back in 2025 and Holly Willoughby potentially hosting it is quite exciting! ITV seems to have a keen eye for talent and keeping their stars close, which is a smart move.


Actress Charlie Brooks, known for her role on EastEnders, is now the fifth celebrity announced as part of the upcoming Dancing on Ice cast.

On an episode of Loose Women that aired on Tuesday, Charlie, a well-recognized actor who played the villainous character Janine in the soap opera, revealed; “I’ve had some time to process it now, as things have been incredibly hectic over the past few months. It’s only just starting to feel real.

‘Everyone’s like how are you feeling, I suffer with nerves so I don’t know how that is going to go.

As a child, I enjoyed skating and sipping mulled wine during Christmastime. Even now, before I step onto the ice, I’m unsure of my abilities as I’m not particularly strong in that area.

I’m not competitive but it might come out in me and I want to have fun and not get injured.’

Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

She went on to say, “I pondered it extensively, but then I asked myself what my 10-year-old self would think, and I believe she would respond with a resounding ‘yes!’

‘I had two words at the beginning of the year which were intentional and adventurous.’

In the upcoming series of Dancing on Ice in 2025, Coronation Street actress Sam Aston, reality TV personality Ferne McCann from TOWIE, Mollie Pearce from The Traitors, and Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave have officially been added to the lineup.

On Monday’s episode of This Morning, it was revealed that Sam, recognized primarily for his portrayal of bumbling character Chesney Brown on Coronation Street, had been selected as the most recent competitor.

He told the show: ‘I can’t say it was something that I always wanted to do. It came about, and it was just one of them. The press office mentioned it, we went for a chat and I got a real buzz just going in and experiencing it.

We recently had a conversation, during which they outlined the details of the show. Afterward, they placed us on the ice for either five or ten minutes, simply to gauge our initial impression. That was essentially the extent of it.

Actor Chesney, known for his roles in Where the Heart Is and The Bill, currently plays a significant part in his family life as father to Sonny (age 4), Daisy (age 2), and four-month old Hazel, alongside his wife Briony Gardner.

Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

Except for appearing in an episode of All-Star Family Fortunes back in 2005, he seldom appears on TV using his own persona, as this was never part of his plan following the start of his career in show business as a child.

He said: ‘Coming into the show as a young child, you don’t really think about doing I’m A Celeb or anything like that. But I’ve got children myself now, and my son is pretty excited about it.’ 

Typically, an actor from ITV’s leading soap opera often participates in Dancing on Ice, and Sam is set to continue this tradition, much like Lisa George (Beth Tinker), Faye Brookes (Kate Connor), Sally Dynevor (Sally Metcalfe) and Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw), who were crowned winners of the show in the previous year.

He added: ‘Anyone at work who I’ve spoken to has done it have all kind of the same thing that it is a great experience and it is really hard, and it’s tiring and tough but it is brilliant as well. I’m nervous, but I’m excited as well.’ 

On Monday morning, just prior to the unveiling of Mollie and Steve, it was Ferne, a first-time mother and well-known personality, who was first disclosed as a contestant.

Steve’s exciting news was announced on This Morning with the 62-year-old saying: ‘It’s like going back to being an athlete again, I’ve been competing most of my life.’

From 1984 to 2000, he managed an impressive feat by winning gold medals in five successive Olympic Games. Additionally, his accolades include three gold medals from the Commonwealth Games and a total of nine gold medals at the World Rowing Championships.

On the afternoon talk show, he playfully said, “I haven’t found roller skates that fit me well yet, as my feet are quite large, a size 12 with a wide fit. I’m getting custom-made shoes instead!

Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

After Mollie’s appearance on Lorraine was confirmed, she shared that she was excited about the physical aspects of the upcoming show, having made her TV debut in The Traitors’ second season this year.

She told the host: ‘It will be fun, I want to challenge myself, I’m ready for the challenge.’

22-year-old model, who underwent a colon removal in 2020 due to living with ulcerative colitis since her adolescence, expressed that her stoma bag has essentially restored her life by saying: ‘In my opinion, my stoma has returned my life to me’.

Later on, Adele Roberts, a fellow stoma bag user, offered words of motivation to Mollie, urging her to “go ahead and conquer it!

In a similar vein, Mollie, who was born without fingers on her right hand, expressed about her condition: ‘I’ve managed to cope, I’ve never allowed it to hinder me in the past, and I won’t start doing so now.’

The brave TV star went on: ‘I really want to do the head banger but my parents will kill me.

Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

‘I am looking forward to a move physical challenge, I am really ready to throw myself into it!’

She added that though she’s yet to begin her official training, she’s ‘raring to go now’.

Mollie went on: ‘The thought is scary but I want to get started.’

In January of this year, Mollie gained widespread recognition during the second season of the popular BBC program “The Traitors.” Notably, her friend and ultimate series winner, Harry Clarke, deceived her in the show.

Following the deception where she believed Harry was a loyal character on the show, Mollie revealed afterwards that there was no resentment and everything was ‘smooth sailing’ between them.

She said: ‘It’s a game, and I think people do forget we signed ourselves up for that game, and there was always a chance that someone was going to be lying to you.

‘It was inevitable – there was always a possibility that you would develop a strong relationship with that individual.’

Mollie has been actively promoting awareness for bowel health issues. In May, she spearheaded a campaign focusing on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encouraging people to break the stigma surrounding bathroom matters by discussing them openly.

Following Monday’s appearance on Good Morning Britain where Ferne disclosed her involvement, she expressed her enthusiasm saying, “I can hardly wait! This is a massive undertaking, but I’m thrilled for the dazzle and elegance that the program offers.

She admitted that while she can skate a bit, she is more accustomed to gliding along on the ice like a penguin, particularly at events such as Winter Wonderland and during outings with her children.

Ferne shot to fame in 2013 when she joined the cast of The Only Way Is Essex for its ninth series.

She has been featured on Celebs Go Dating and I’m A Celebrity, with her placing third in the latter show.

Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

Lately, she’s been the lead in her personal ITV show titled “My Family And Me,” and just this past week, she announced that the upcoming season of her long-standing reality series will mark its end.

The program, originally titled Ferne McCann: First Time Mum, chronicles Ferne’s pregnancy journey with her first child, Sunday, and has been on air for 13 seasons spanning over 7 years.

The show was retitled in 2023 when Ferne welcomed her second daughter Finty.

However, she has since decided it’s time to end things following a challenging choice made alongside her businessman fiancé Lorri Haines and their six-year-old daughter Sunday, who is her child with ex-partner Arthur Collins.

She shared with The Sunday Mirror: “The moment everything shifted was when Sunday questioned me, ‘Are you famous?’ Some of my friends had spotted me in an advertisement.

…”I found myself saying something along the lines of, ‘I’m not sure…’ This left me feeling uneasy, as I didn’t want her to think I perceived her as being unique in a negative way.

Following that, it seemed as though I was stepping into an entirely new scenario. So, I took some time off to analyze my emotions, and it appeared to be the opportune moment to discontinue.

She mentioned that even though Sunday has always been a part of the show since her birth, she hadn’t really watched it before, and she wasn’t familiar with the ongoing events – until that particular question prompted her to learn about them.

It became known in March that ITV executives have proposed an attractive contract to Holly Willoughby for her to reprise her role as host of Dancing on Ice next year, with the intention of retaining her at the network.

For the first time in two decades, the presenter won’t be renewing her contract with the channel for a show, thus providing an opportunity for her competitors to potentially recruit her.

Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

However, as reported by The Mail on Sunday, the popular program is set to return for another season, and discussions have begun regarding Holly’s potential co-hosting role with Stephen Mulhern. This move appears to be a firm declaration to rival broadcasters that their prized talent, Holly, remains under their control.

A trustworthy insider has confirmed that ‘Dancing On Ice’ is expected to return in 2025, with Holly set to be the host.

The negotiations for contracts are ongoing, but the leaders adore her, and it’s clear that other parties are interested in securing her services. However, ITV cherishes her deeply and aims to maintain her as an integral member of their team for many years.

Holly holds a deep affection for the program, as it significantly advanced her career from a children’s host to adult television. Therefore, ITV is eagerly anticipating that she will accept their proposal.

Reports indicate that high-level executives at ITV might consider offering new hosting opportunities to her, following her departure from “This Morning” last October, due to a planned abduction and homicide against her. On the other hand, it is said that the BBC are keen on recruiting her for more of their shows.

Simultaneously, ice skating legends Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean express great enthusiasm about the show’s return as their 50th-anniversary tour kicks off soon following the conclusion of next year’s season.

“An acquaintance of the Olympic champions mentioned that participating in ‘Dancing on Ice’ fits well with their upcoming tour, and they’re eager to come back next year. Everything seems to be falling neatly into place for them.

Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

Just prior to Ferne’s declaration, there were rumors swirling that another well-known EastEnders actor had agreed to participate in Dancing on Ice.

As a die-hard fan, here I am, all trembling with excitement, sharing the buzz that Charlie Brooks – famously known for her chilling roles on EastEnders and her victorious stint in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! back in 2012 – might be gracing our screens once again as part of the sensational cast for the upcoming series. Can it really be true? Only time will tell!

The 43-year-old actress is widely recognized for her powerful depiction of the villain character, Janine Butcher, in the popular BBC soap opera from 1999 until 2022.

Two years back, on the Christmas Day special of EastEnders, she finally bid farewell from Albert Square.

Now, it appears as though the popular soap star could join other famous faces in tackling the ice-cold challenge for the cherished skating program.

According to a source, The Sun reports that Charlie is an excellent addition. Her massive following from EastEnders, combined with her vibrant character and energetic spirit, makes her an attractive choice for ITV bookers. They are optimistic that she can rekindle some of the enchantment she brought to I’m a Celebrity.

They’re taking full advantage of the situation that several prominent women have decided not to join Strictly this year due to the scandals. The cast promises to be exceptional.

Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up
Dancing On Ice 2025: Fifth contestant is confirmed as soap legend joins Olympian, TV newcomer and iconic reality star in the line-up

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2024-10-01 15:25

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