A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to take part in one of Dan Whiston’s online Zumba classes which aside from confirming lockdown has done little to improve my poor fitness levels, also confirmed that the Dancing on ice team were a week away from beginning the process of getting 2021 season training underway. And so it is that over the last couple of weeks, ITV have begun announcing their new signings. Therefore having been a bit lax in posting of late, I thought it made sense to details my impressions so far and fun to make a few (as yet uninformed) predictions for the coming DOI season.
The first celeb announced was former Hearsay member and Royal Academy of Music alumi, Myleene Klass (42). Whilst, Hearsay weren’t especially known for their inventive dance routines (unlike Steps whose Ian ‘H’ Watkins finished in 7th place back in March), Myleene’s classical training and skills suggests a sound sense of rhythm. Furthermore, Klass spent two years studying Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music suggesting its not just her vocal chords she’s able to flex. Whilst her records haven’t always been to my personal taste, she’s always come across as likeable with a sense of fun and with a win on Popstars and runner-up spot on I’m a Celebrity under her belt, providing she can get to grips with her skates I suspect she’s going to do well. At this early stage I’d guess semi-finalist or better.
Two days later, Emmerdale “star” Joe-Warren Plant (18) led to my first “who?” of the series. I must confess I’ve barely seen Emmerdale this millennium so my impressions on the lad aren’t really grounded in any facts. That said at the tender age of eighteen, I think Plant has real potential; the energy of youth, lack of creaking bones, appealing to teen voters, less fearful of falls. I also don’t necessarily think being less recognisable to as wide a range of viewers as some is too much of a disadvantage…Wes Nelson, Libby Clegg, Kem Cetinay, Jake Quickenden all did very well. Also historically Emmerdale cast members have done very well on the show; Hayley Tamaddon and Matthew Wolfenden having both taken the crown. Prediction? Runner-up/Third place. Although does also have the potential to be Bambi on ice.
A day later, former Strictly Come Dancing runner up, Denise Van Outen (46) was announced. Apart from impressing in the ballroom, Van Outen (alumnus of Sylvia Young Theatre School) has wowed audiences in West End Productions of Legally Blond, Chicago and others. Of cause whether Den can translate her Strictly skills to the ice as successfully as James Jordan remains to be seen but I’d be very surprised if she went out before the semis. Prediction? Winner/Runner-up
After Den, came former Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes (33). Another Musical Theatre graduate, Brookes has tread the boards in Grease, Shrek and Legally Blonde. Again one presumes therefore she can vaguely move. That said without much to go on at this stage I predict a mid-table finish.
Ok, next up comes the second contestant in the shows history to have been given the honour of having one of my childhood goldfish name after them (RIP both Stephen Gatelys!). Jason Donovan (52) came third in Strictly in 2011 and is another West End alumni having appeared most notably in Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat as well as Sweeney Todd and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The oldest male celebrity (discounting injured Barrymore’s non-appearance last season) since Bobby Davro’s rather forgettable appearance in 2010 (and a couple of this years celebrities further down this list), JD’s inclusion is the one that’s got this kid of the 80s the most excited. I’d love to see him do well and being held in such affection by those of a certain vintage I feel confident he’ll stay in a while but honestly? I predict mid to lower table finish. I hope I’m wrong though!
Not being a teenager or a student, Capital FM Breakfast show isn’t really my bag, but radio DJ Sonny Jay (27), whose band Loveable Rogues google informs me made it to the Britain’s Got Talent final in 2012, is another one who presumably can keep to the beat. His co-host Roman Kemp did very well in last year’s I’m a Celeb and was very unfortunate in not taking the win. His Wikipedia page is rather sparse and so again I’m basing this on very little but though unlikely to be the first out I predict an early exit.
As a former world champion and Olympic athlete, Colin Jackson (53) will be well au fait with grueling training schedules. Whether having retired from competition in 2002 he’s still up for the early starts and leg cramps only time will tell. Like Denise and Jason, Colin competed in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing back in 2005 and like Denise finished second. However, unlike Denise, for reasons I can’t quite justify I’m not sure Mr Jackson will find his feet on the ice. At 5″11.5 he may be just an inch taller than Christopher Dean, but I fear that may be where the similarities end and suspect those long legs may be his downfall. I predict an early exit. Sorry Colin!
In my opinion the most surprising announcement so far, former British Olympic skier Graham Bell (54) is somewhat of an enigma. according to his Wikipedia page he competes in triathlons, 24 hour mountain biking events and regularly competes in the Etape Du Tour cycle race. All of which suggests he’s maintained his endurance levels. Will having been part of Team GB at Sarajevo 84 ignite the drive to persevere through to Bolero? Literally no idea! But since I promised predictions…I predict a comfortable mid-table finish.
The most recent signing announced is possibly the most difficult personally to be objective on. Rebekah Vardy (38); wife of Leicester City player Jamie (a description I hate but let’s be honest aside from litigation it’s the only reason we know who she is). Back in 2017 Vardy was not only the third person voted out of that year’s I’m A Celebrity but also the reason (for the first and as yet only time) I gave up watching that year’s series. I hate that DOI contestants often fail to progress or progress beyond merit based on off ice reasoning, but to be blunt unless public opinion shifts quickly (which I presume is exactly what Rebekah is hoping for by taking part) she won’t last long. Prediction? Will be in the first skate off and possibly survive for a week or two after.
White Skates 